Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju told Parliament on Friday that the government is considering linking Aadhaar with the voter list to prevent bogus voting. He also stressed on “One Nation, One Voter List”. He also said that the government is considering to provide online voting facility to Indians working abroad.
Replying to a series of questions in the Lok Sabha, Rijiju said linking of Aadhaar and electoral rolls is a way to remove names that appear more than once from the voting lists. When asked about voting rights for overseas Indians, he said that the Election Commission has received a suggestion from the government to facilitate voting for those working abroad. He also said that security and transparency have to be ensured for this.
Replying to a supplementary question by BJP’s Ajay Nishad, the Law Minister said that there is an idea to bring only one electoral roll for all the states and union territories to prevent bogus voting across the country. He said that we have spoken to the Election Commission in this regard. Recently, a provision has been made to link the voter list with Aadhaar. It is not mandatory, it is voluntary. But, this is likely to stop bogus voting. Will take necessary steps for electoral reforms in future also. One nation, one voter list, such is the thinking of the government. There should be a clean voting system in the country.
Responding to a supplementary question on giving voting rights to overseas Indians, the Minister said that this is a positive suggestion. He said that we have spoken to the Election Commission in this regard. Looking at how the online voting system can be encouraged. But, before making any announcement, its transparency, security and the possibility of any kind of disturbances should be kept in mind.
Discussion should be held to increase voting percentage: Manish Tewari
Expressing concern over the low turnout in the country, Congress’s Manish Tewari, while suggesting to hold a special discussion in the House on the issue of increasing the voting percentage, had asked the minister whether the source code of the EVM remains with the Election Commission after it is made or the EVM machine. Near the manufacturer company.
Questions should not be raised on EVMs: Rijiju
Responding to this, Rijiju only said that the way judges are appointed by the government, but after appointment they become independent, in the same way after the EVMs are created, their control remains with the Election Commission. He also said that no question should arise on EVMs.