India: Condemning the Shiv Sena's statement on disenfranchising Muslims - L.S. Hardenia

PRESS RELEASE BHOPAL: April 13, 2015:

LS Herdenia, Convener, All India Secular Forum has urged the Rajya Sabha chairman and Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Chief Election Commissioner of India to take action against Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut. In a statement issued here today, Herdenia said that Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut's demand to disfranchise Muslims is not only highly objectionable but also violative of the Constitution. Our Constitution gives every citizen above eighteen years of age the right to vote. 

This right is absolute and cannot be denied on the basis of the citizen's religion, caste, creed or sex. Raut, who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution as a member of the Rajya Sabha, has insulted the Constitution and violated his oath. Raut should be expelled from the Rajya Sabha and disfranchised by the CEC. Shiv Sena members have been making such irresponsible and unconstitutional statements from time to time. Late Balasaheb Thackeray was barred from contesting elections for six years. A similar action must be taken against Raut too, he demanded. 

LS Herdenia