AAP city unit wants SIR extended up to Sept 1

Pune: The city unit of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has written to the state chief electoral officer to extend the SIR drive up to Sept 1. The party said the administrative machinery would not be able to complete the exercise by Aug 8.AAP functionaries said that teachers are managing additional duties as BLOs but face difficulties due to rain in many parts. Door-to-door visits have been hampered because of many challenges. President of the city unit Dhananjay Benkar said, “We have also told the chief electoral officer to take up a comprehensive public awareness campaign through all self-governing bodies to increase the SIR reach. The administration should rope in all recognised political parties, social organisations and Ganesh mandals and the media in SIR work.”His party has demanded an extension to ensure that no eligible voter is denied the constitutional right to vote and that the foundation of democracy remains strong. During the extended period, the administration should clear the lapses citizens have been facing, he added.Voters from Sinhagad Road said BLOs have not reached out to them. Many other areas of the city are facing a similar situation, Benkar added.