New Delhi: As US President Donald Trump lauded India’s electoral system to strengthen his point for introduction of mandatory voter identification requirements in the United States, the BJP on Tuesday called it a “proud moment” for the country.
Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said, “This clearly shows how diligently, sincerely and transparently the Election Commission of India works. US President Donald Trump’s statement is a strong rebuttal to all those who repeatedly question the Election Commission of India and its functioning. They should at least understand that if the US President is praising India’s election system and the Election Commission, it demonstrates that our Election Commission works in a fair and transparent manner, leaving no room for doubt.”
BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh said, “India’s Election Commission and its electoral system are respected worldwide. The world acknowledges it as one of the best procedures. Donald Trump has now said that he wants to implement the process of voter ID cards through the SIR procedure, similar to what is done here. It’s good that both countries are learning from each other.”
Bihar Minister Ramkripal Yadav said, “Salute to Indian democracy, salute to the free Election Commission, salute to the people of Bihar, and salute to the system. Now, if America discusses India regarding elections, then it is a big thing.”
“India is giving a message to the world, and the US is appreciating it. So, it’s a proud moment. Awareness has increased, and participation is also increasing. The Election Commission has worked towards removing non-national people from the country,” he added.
However, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma disputed the BJP’s interpretation, saying, “Trump did not say that; your question is incorrect. Gyanesh Kumar said it. He asked Trump how such a large election could be conducted in the US without valid identification. The question is incorrect. You should instead ask why democracy has not come under attack in your country and why questions have not been raised about democracy there.”
“Gyanesh Kumar is going there and talking about voter IDs and all, but he is not saying that 80 per cent of people raise questions about him. So, in a democracy, there should not be one-way communication. We see that in the US, there is democracy and it is alive. Even after losing, he has chosen once again. The voting happens on ballot papers,” he added.
Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad said, “Trump’s ideology is dangerous for our country. Because of Trump’s policies, our country’s economy has been affected. His policies have also impacted the interests of our farmers… Trump is not a person with a consistent ideology, nor is he a predictable leader. It is difficult to say what he might say or where he might turn next. Therefore, it would be in our country’s best interest to maintain a distance from him.”
US President Donald Trump cited India’s election system while giving renewed calls for the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which seeks stricter citizenship requirements to vote in US elections.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump recalled that India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, recently asked the US administration about why elections in America are held without a valid photo identification card, as he made a case for mandatory photo IDs for every US voter to curb “electoral fraud”.
“Earlier this month, India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administration — How can you have Elections in the US without a valid Photo ID,” Trump wrote.
Trump made these remarks to drum up support for the SAVE America Act, which would require Americans to show proof of citizenship to register to vote, impose a nationwide voter identification requirement and severely limit voting by mail.
(IANS)
