New Delhi: Serious concern has emerged in West Bengal after the publication of the final electoral roll placed more than 60 lakh voters under adjudication and deleted another 60 lakh names. The development has caused anxiety among many families, particularly in Muslim majority districts such as Murshidabad and Malda.
The Special Intensive Revision process conducted by the Election Commission marked millions of voters as under adjudication, which means their documents await verification. Reports indicate that the highest numbers fall in districts with large Muslim populations.
As reported in Hindustan Gazette, Professor Mohammed Riyaz of Aliah University in Kolkata shared his family’s experience. He said every member of his household was placed under adjudication and asked to resubmit documents. His father was summoned for a hearing. Riyaz stated that despite submitting documents three times, including his mother’s name from the 2002 revision and a passport, their papers were returned by Electoral Roll Micro Observers to the Booth Level Officer for further checks.
The role of these Electoral Roll Micro Observers has drawn criticism. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and several activists questioned their appointment and authority. The dispute reached the Supreme Court. In response, the court ordered the appointment of judicial officers to supervise document verification. The review of over 60 lakh cases will now take place under the supervision of the Calcutta High Court.
Riyaz, who is associated with the Sabar Institute research group, raised concern over what lies ahead. He drew parallels with Assam, where voters were earlier marked as doubtful. He said in many families two or three members were flagged, with spelling errors affecting poor and uneducated citizens.
The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP and the Election Commission of attempting to manipulate the rolls. It alleged that Adivasi tea garden workers and sections of the Rajbanshi community in North Bengal also faced deletions or adjudication.
Mamata Banerjee announced a sit in protest from March 6 at Dharmatala. As tensions rise, many residents fear exclusion from the democratic process.
