Singh Deo stressed welfare continuity, informed voters, and transparency in governance

New Delhi

Senior Congress leader T.S. Singh Deo on Friday raised questions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Chhattisgarh, seeking clarity on its implementation. He said authorities had requested Booth Level Agent (BLA) names from political parties and provided voter lists from the last election. “New names have been added, but it’s unclear how they differ from the 2023 list or where they came from,” Singh Deo said. He also highlighted the extended deadline for submitting BLA names, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of voter lists and clarity on which list would serve as the baseline.

Singh Deo also reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana in Bihar, noting that direct transfers of Rs 10,000 to 75 lakh women was a legitimate initiative and not an election gimmick. He said people now understand that benefits like ration, financial aid, or minimum income schemes are institutionalized and not tied to any particular government.

Commenting on Tej Pratap Yadav’s new party, the Janshakti Janata Dal, he said it is unlikely to affect the INDIA bloc in Bihar. He stressed that voters make conscious choices based on credibility and performance, and new or breakaway parties generally remain on the margins.

On international and national issues, Singh Deo expressed concern over the US decision to impose tariffs on medicines, the cancellation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s FCRA license, and the police firing in Leh. He criticized the government’s handling of border provinces and union territories, pointing to unrest in Manipur and Assam as warning signs.

Overall, Singh Deo highlighted the need for transparency in electoral processes, accountability in governance, and recognition of institutionalized welfare schemes while emphasizing that voters are increasingly informed and discerning in their choices.