Sk Ibrahim, a 104-year-old resident of Jamalpur in East Burdwan, has maintained his unbroken record of voting in every election since Independence by casting his ballot on Wednesday. However, his path to the polling booth was fraught with uncertainty after the Election Commission initially placed his name under adjudication on the final voters' list published on February 28. The discrepancy arose because his name appeared as 'Sk Ibrahim' on the 2002 voters' list but as 'Ibrahim Sk' on the 2025 roll.
After days of anxiety and uncertainty, his name eventually appeared on the first supplementary list. However, the delay meant he missed the EC's vote-from-home window for citizens aged 85 and above. Ibrahim was insistent on voting, and his determination moved the East Burdwan administration, which provided him with a vehicle and a wheelchair. He was driven to the polling booth under the Jamalpur assembly constituency and wheeled inside, where he cast his vote with the support of his son, Sk Bagbul Islam.
Speaking to TOI, Ibrahim expressed his joy at being able to vote. 'I feel very happy to be able to vote. I don't understand why my name had been suddenly removed from the electoral roll. But I am a valid voter and was born in Batrishbigha village,' he said. The 'doubtful voter' status tagged to his name had caused distress to Ibrahim and his family. When reporters approached him after the publication of the final voters' list, he had retorted, 'Is it a crime to live beyond 100 years?'
The discrepancy was resolved following scrutiny of his documents. 'I prayed to Allah every day for the inclusion of my name on the list. Allah has granted my wish. I am very happy,' Ibrahim told TOI. However, the joy of being recognized as an elector again did not fully assuage his hurt. 'My name should not have gone into adjudication in the first place. Why this happened is a question. Surely, I did not deserve this at this stage in life,' he said.
Sk Faruk, Ibrahim's second son, said they learned from the panchayat office that five members of their family have been included on the first supplementary list. 'Our names, including my father's, were under adjudication. Our BLO helped us submit all necessary documents. We are happy that our names have now been included,' he said.
Notably, even at the age of 104, Ibrahim retains physical and mental sharpness. He can see clearly without glasses and reads newspapers and books daily. He also maintains a diary, writing regularly. He reportedly remembers the names of all his medicines and details of his medical reports, and keeps a daily record of his expenses.
