Earlier, even when there was a gap of one month between the last date of withdrawal of nomination papers and the polling date, barely a fraction of the service electors could exercise their franchise. But now, when this period has been reduced to 14 days, their chances of casting their votes has further dwindled. It would be tantamount to depriving our service personnel of the right to exercise their franchise. The Law Minister had written to all political parties to consider and accept the suggestion of the Election Commission. Whereas millions of Government servants will be able to exercise their right to vote in the forthcoming Lok Sabha and State Assembly Elections, it will be highly improper to deprive our men and women in uniform, posted at the borders and other far-flung areas, of this right.
Proxy vote is the only way to protect their right to vote.
By introducing proxy vote, we would also be repaying a part of the huge debt we owe to our defence personnel. Equity and justice should take precedent over partisan considerations. But the Congress leadership is incapable of being selfless. The service personnel are part and parcel of our country and the Kargil conflict has once again shown their supreme commitment. The Congress president and her colleagues, obviously, cannot appreciate this commitment and sacrifice for the nation.