Mayor Umesh Gautam Slams Congress, Calls Questioning Constitutional Bodies 'Improper'

बरेली उत्तर प्रदेश | इज़हार आलम

Mayor Gautam Accuses Opposition of Undermining Institutions

Bareilly Mayor Umesh Gautam launched a sharp attack on the Congress and other opposition parties during a press conference on September 28, 2026. He alleged that these parties are targeting constitutional institutions to conceal their organizational and political shortcomings.

Mayor Gautam stated that when the opposition fails to achieve desired results in elections, they attempt to create confusion among the public by questioning the impartiality and functioning of the Election Commission. He deemed this behavior against democratic decorum, emphasizing that political debates should always be based on facts.

Focus on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Process

Mayor Umesh Gautam specifically criticized the Congress for raising questions about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He clarified that the Election Commission has already presented its stance on SIR.

The Mayor asserted that all policy decisions of the Election Commission, including SIR, were made with the unanimous consent of all three Election Commissioners. Therefore, making political accusations without any concrete basis is improper and unwarranted. He advised the opposition to adopt a factual approach when discussing the Election Commission's decisions, rather than making baseless claims.

Allegations of Politicizing Administrative Matters

Mayor Umesh Gautam also targeted the Congress regarding a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary. He stated that an attempt was made to link this administrative matter with the SIR policy, whereas it was merely a routine issue concerning the conduct of an officer on deputation.

The Mayor added that politicizing administrative matters is merely a way to mislead the public. Furthermore, regarding objections related to Form-6 and declarations, he cited Supreme Court judgments, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding the legal aspects of voter lists.

Emphasis on Including Eligible Citizens in Voting Rights

Mayor Umesh Gautam strongly emphasized that ensuring no eligible citizen is deprived of their right to vote is essential for a robust and vibrant democratic system. He explained that under the SIR process, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are collecting forms door-to-door.

Additionally, special attention is being given to places like night shelters and labor colonies to ensure that homeless and marginalized individuals residing there are also included in the voter list. The Mayor believes that the primary goal of governance and administration is to actively involve all eligible citizens in the electoral process.

Condemnation of Statements on National Security and Institutional Morale

During the press conference, the Mayor also referenced several past statements by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He pointed to the party's rhetoric on issues like EVMs, the Rafale fighter jet deal, surgical strikes, Balakot air strikes, and the Tawang clash, alleging that the party has consistently used language that undermines national security and the morale of constitutional institutions.

Mayor Gautam concluded by appealing that while the opposition has every right to question the government and institutions, it is paramount to adhere to facts in these serious discussions and debates. He expressed hope that the opposition will prioritize positive and responsible politics in the future, as making accusations beyond facts is detrimental to the health of democracy.

Several senior BJP officials were present at the press conference, including BJP District President Sompal Sharma, Amla District President Aadesh Pratap Singh, and City President Adhir Saxena.