Lok Sabha passes Bill to link voter Id with Aadhaar

New Delhi, Dec 20: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday hit out at the Centre over The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021, and demanded thorough examination of the Bill by a ‘select committee’.

The Bill which was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju on Monday, was passed by voice vote, amid opposition by several MPs.

“The polit bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the manner in which important changes in the electoral laws, which have far-reaching consequences, has been rushed through the Lok Sabha and passed in a din.

“MPs were not given time for discussion. They were not allowed to move any amendments, which is a gross violation of parliamentary norms and procedures,” the party said in a statement, attacking the Centre over the Bill.

The Bill has the danger of violating both secrecy of the vote undermining the principle of secret ballot and the fundamental right to privacy of the voter, the CPI (M) claimed.

“The Opposition parties must resolutely resist this Bill from being bulldozed in the Rajya Sabha now. We demand its thorough examination by a select committee’, the party said.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju slammed the opposition for stalling house proceedings and said “government wants discussion” when the Bill was brought before the House.

“Some opposition members have said that it should be referred to a standing committee. The Bill was brought after broader discussion. Parliamentary standing committee had ‘unanimously’ recommended to link Aadhaar with electoral rolls,’ the Minister said in the Lower House.
He categorically said, “Thís Bill is in the interest of the public and voters. The linking is voluntary and not binding.”

The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 says that every person whose name is included in the electoral roll should link it with Aadhar but the enrollment should not be denied if one is unable to furnish the Aadhaar.