Mangaluru: Political leaders, social activists and representatives of religious and community organisations staged a Satyagraha at the Clock Tower in Mangaluru on Friday, October 23, opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and calling for the protection of eligible citizens’ voting rights.

The protest was organised by the Dakshina Kannada district unit of the Prajaprabhutva Ulisi Andolana Samiti. Participants expressed concerns over the alleged exclusion of eligible voters during the electoral roll revision process and called for collective action to safeguard constitutional values and democratic institutions.

Speakers at the gathering criticised the manner in which the SIR process was being implemented and urged citizens across political, religious and social backgrounds to unite against any measure that could undermine voting rights.

Leaders raise concerns over voter exclusion

Addressing the gathering, Anwar Sadat Bajattoor alleged that the SIR process could deprive eligible citizens of their voting rights, particularly those belonging to minority, Dalit, Adivasi and backward communities.

He criticised the BJP-led Union government and questioned the Election Commission of India’s approach to implementing the electoral roll revision exercise.

Bajattoor called for a united nationwide movement against SIR, stating that protecting the right to vote was essential to safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring that democratic principles were upheld.

The speakers emphasised that electoral roll revision should not result in genuine voters being excluded from the democratic process. They called for vigilance to ensure that eligible citizens retained their right to participate in elections.

Ivan D’Souza calls for unity to defend democracy

Karnataka Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza stressed the importance of protecting citizens’ constitutional rights and preserving the integrity of the democratic process.

He urged people from different political parties, religious communities and social backgrounds to come together to oppose any attempt to undermine voting rights.

Referring to the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, D’Souza observed that the movement against SIR had spread across the country despite restrictions on demonstrations.

He underlined the need for collective action to protect democratic institutions and ensure that the electoral process remained inclusive.

The gathering brought together representatives of political parties, civil society organisations and community groups, reflecting the participation of different sections of society in the campaign against SIR.

Fr Vinod Mascarenhas questions Election Commission’s role

Fr Vinod Mascarenhas criticised the reported restrictions on protests at Jantar Mantar and questioned the functioning of the Election Commission of India.

He said electoral institutions had a responsibility to protect the people’s mandate and uphold democratic principles. He also called upon citizens to remain united in opposing alleged attempts to manipulate electoral rolls.

Mascarenhas stressed that safeguarding democratic institutions required public participation and collective efforts to ensure that the rights of eligible voters were protected.

The speakers at the Satyagraha maintained that the electoral process must uphold the constitutional guarantee of democratic participation and ensure that no eligible citizen was unfairly deprived of the right to vote.

Slogans and revolutionary songs mark protest

The Satyagraha continued into the evening, with participants delivering speeches, singing revolutionary songs and raising slogans against the SIR process and the Union government.

Slogans including “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chor”, “ECI Down Down”, “Modi-Shah Down Down” and “Mathada Hakku Zindabad” echoed through the protest venue.

The demonstrators used the gathering to express their opposition to the electoral roll revision exercise and highlight concerns about the potential exclusion of eligible voters.

The protest also served as a platform for representatives of political and social organisations to call for greater public awareness and participation in efforts to protect voting rights.

Participants stressed that every eligible citizen should be able to exercise their franchise without facing unjustified obstacles during the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.

Political parties and community organisations participate

Several political leaders, social activists and representatives of community organisations attended the programme.

Those present included SDPI state president Ataullah Jokatte, Karnataka Women’s Congress state general secretary Neetha D’Souza, Bhim Army India Movement Karnataka state president Shaheen Tasneem and Mangaluru city SDPI president Ashraf Padoor.

CPI(M) district leaders Ansar Bajal and Mohan K E, lawyer Vinod Mascarene and social activist Dilip Kadri also participated.

Representatives of the Raitha Sangha, Youth Congress, Mahila Congress and migrant workers’ organisations attended the Satyagraha, along with members of various civil society groups.

Religious representatives included Zafar Sadiq Faizi of Kudroli Jumma Masjid and Mohammad Shafi Kousari of Talapady Jumma Masjid. Representatives of the Catholic Sabha were also present.

The participation of political, religious and community representatives underscored the organisers’ call for a broad-based movement to protect democratic rights.

Call to safeguard electoral rights

The Satyagraha concluded with participants reiterating the importance of protecting voting rights and ensuring that the electoral process remained fair and inclusive.

Organisers and speakers called for continued public engagement against the SIR exercise, arguing that the protection of eligible voters was central to preserving constitutional values.

The protest in Mangaluru formed part of wider opposition to the electoral roll revision process, with participants urging citizens and democratic organisations to remain vigilant against any potential exclusion of eligible voters.

The gathering’s central message was that protecting the right to vote and ensuring inclusive electoral participation were essential to safeguarding democracy.