Anurag Thakur Defends Election Commission, Blames Opposition for Foreign‑Linked Agitation

Speaking on the sidelines of Navratri festivities in Himachal Pradesh, BJP stalwart and former Union minister Anurag Thakur took a swipe at the opposition for what he described as an “unfair targeting” of constitutional bodies after recent electoral setbacks.

He said the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is nothing more than housekeeping – removing the names of the deceased, duplicate entries and people who have moved away. “If you’re alive, you can vote; if you’re dead, you can’t. It’s that simple,” Thakur remarked, adding a hint of sarcasm about the opposition’s complaints.

According to Thakur, the opposition’s gripe makes sense only when they lose. “They cheer for EVMs and the ECI when they win, and then they start throwing stones when the results don’t go their way,” he said, his tone mixing frustration with a dash of irony.

The minister also warned that some opposition figures seem to be dancing to a “foreign agenda”, though he offered no concrete evidence. “There are forces outside our borders that would love to see Indian democracy weakened,” he alleged, pausing before continuing.

On the matter of protests, Thakur was unequivocal: demonstrations are fine, but they must follow the law. “No objection to a peaceful rally, provided you get permission, inform the authorities and respect the rules. A country can’t run if people think they’re above the system,” he stated.

He pointed out that the Himachal Pradesh roll‑revision gave parties months to raise objections, and that booth‑level agents from various parties had been invited to take part. “Why protest then, if the whole exercise is about cleaning up the rolls?” he asked rhetorically.

Concluding his remarks, Thakur sent festive wishes to devotees observing the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, noting the millions who flock to temples seeking the goddesses’ blessings.