Kamal Haasan Advocates for Machine-Readable Electoral Rolls and Criticises Detention of Rahul Gandhi

Kamal Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam, demands the Election Commission to publish electoral rolls in machine-readable formats for transparency. He also condemns the detention of Rahul Gandhi, urging for independent audits to ensure electoral integrity.

Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan has called for the Election Commission to release electoral rolls in a format that machines can read. He also urged for independent audits to be allowed. Haasan, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, criticised the Delhi police for detaining Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc MPs temporarily.

Haasan questioned the reluctance to publish electoral rolls in formats that enable independent verification. He expressed concern over the demand for a written oath from Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, when the data he refers to originates from the Commission’s own records.

Electoral Transparency and Accountability

The MNM leader emphasised the importance of transparency in electoral processes. "Publish the rolls in machine-readable form and permit independent audits," he stated. Haasan urged the Election Commission to uphold standards set by impartial officers like T N Seshan, who were fearless and above partisan politics.

Haasan stressed that this issue transcends party lines, stating, "This is not a partisan cause. It is the cause of India." He invited all political parties, including those in the NDA, to unite for transparency. "Let us take this demand from village to town, from town to city, to every corner of India," he added.

Protest March Against Electoral Roll Revision

Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sharad Pawar, organised a protest march on Monday. They marched from Parliament House to the Election Commission office against the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged vote theft. However, police stopped them midway and briefly detained them amid high drama.

Haasan passionately appealed to citizens: "Defend the vote, and you defend the republic." He urged Indians to rise up and demand answers for the future of their country. "We will not allow the rubicon of our democracy to be crossed," he declared.

Haasan's statements highlight a call for greater transparency and accountability in India's electoral process. His demands aim to ensure that citizens can verify electoral data independently rather than relying solely on authority's assurances.

With inputs from PTI