Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud on Monday expressed concern that democratic values in the country are under threat, alleging attempts to weaken the right to vote by the BJP-led Centre.

Addressing a meeting of Booth Level Agents (BLA) in the Warangal West constituency, he urged party workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots and work collectively within the Congress to address public issues.

Mr. Goud alleged that eligible voters were being removed from electoral rolls under the guise of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). While voter list revisions had been carried out in the past, he said the current process was different and raised concerns about its intent. He stressed that the right to vote remains fundamental in a democracy.

The TPCC chief criticised the BJP-led Union government, alleging that the Election Commission was not functioning independently. He further claimed that there was a pattern of targeting voters from Muslim, SC, ST and tribal communities who were perceived to support the Congress.

Stating that the deletion of a large number of votes in previous elections had affected democratic processes, Mr. Goud said the Congress opposed any measures that could influence the people’s mandate. He also alleged that Ms. Natarajan, the AICC State in-charge, who was present at the meeting, faced an unfair rejection at the nomination stage in Telangana despite no cases or complaints against her.

Mr. Goud said history had shown that targeting leaders who follow Gandhian principles weakens democracy. He added that governments, however powerful, would have to face public accountability.