Mail News Service
Ranchi, Nov 24: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari on Monday hit out at the BJP, accusing the party of deliberately twisting his remarks and engaging in “politics of falsehood and baseless allegations.” He said the people of Jharkhand understand the truth and stand firmly with it.
Dr. Ansari clarified that his earlier statement was aimed only at fake BLOs (Booth Level Officers) who, according to him, impersonate officials, intimidate villagers and extort money. “I never targeted genuine BLOs. My remarks were solely against fraudulent individuals claiming to be BLOs,” he said.
He added that villagers had complained about impostors demanding money by threatening to remove names from the voter list. “Several such complaints were forwarded to the Jamtara DC and I had requested special monitoring,” he said. In this context, he had urged villagers to detain such fake individuals and alert the police immediately.
“BLOs are respected officials and an integral part of the Election Commission. No impostor can take their place. I only sought action against fake elements,” he reiterated. His aim, he said, was to ensure fair electoral processes and prevent wrongful deletion of names, especially those of the poor and marginalised.
Stepping up his attack, Dr. Ansari said the BJP is struggling for issues and has developed “Irfan phobia.” “They twist my statements day and night. But the public has rejected these cheap tactics,” he said. “If the BJP has run out of issues, they may approach me—I can provide them with enough topics. But they must stop distorting my words and face the truth.”
Babulal Marandi seeks sacking of Health Minister over ‘offensive’ remarks
Ranchi, Nov 24: BJP state president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has demanded the dismissal of Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari over his alleged controversial remarks concerning the Special Summary Revision (SIR) process.
Marandi urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to take cognizance of the matter, calling the statement “objectionable and unacceptable.” In a press note issued on Monday, he said that a minister representing the Congress in the ruling coalition has publicly encouraged detaining BLOs inside their homes.
He said the Constitution entrusts the Election Commission with the authority to maintain accurate and error-free electoral rolls. “The purpose of the SIR process is to ensure transparency—removing names of deceased voters, deleting fake entries and identifying infiltrators,” Marandi said.
He argued that any attempt to obstruct or intimidate BLOs undermines the integrity of the democratic process and warrants immediate action against the minister.
