In a serious allegation that could impact electoral fairness, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kozhikode has raised red flags over the draft voters list published by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The party's district secretary, M Mehaboob, has pointed out what he calls large-scale exclusion of legitimate voters and an illogical grouping of voters at the booth level. These issues have surfaced during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of the state's electoral roll.
Core Allegations: Missing Names and Scattered Booths
Mehaboob stated that the party's scrutiny revealed two major systemic flaws. First, he alleged that a significant number of voters have been dropped from the list over minor discrepancies. These include simple changes in a person's initials, which should not be grounds for removal. This practice, he argues, effectively disenfranchises eligible citizens.
Second, and more concerning according to the CPM leader, is the unscientific clustering of voters under polling booths. The established norm is to assign voters from a specific locality to one nearby booth for ease of access. However, the draft list shows electors from scattered parts of a local body being clubbed under the same booth. "This is the first time we are seeing such an issue," Mehaboob remarked.
District-Wide Problem and Official Apathy
The problem is not isolated to a few booths. The CPM's examination found similar irregularities across all 13 assembly constituencies within the Kozhikode district. This widespread nature of the lapses suggests a potential procedural failure in the revision process.
Mehaboob expressed further dismay at the response from ECI officials when these problems were formally flagged. He described their reaction as negative and unhelpful. Instead of addressing the concerns to ensure every eligible citizen can vote, the hurried implementation of the SIR has, in his view, raised doubts about whether vested interests are being advanced.
Memorandum Submitted and Demand for Action
The CPI(M) has taken official steps to lodge its complaint. The party has submitted a detailed memorandum to the state's chief electoral officer, cataloging the specific lapses found in the draft list. The memorandum also references earlier reports which suggested that a staggering 1.86 lakh voters from Kozhikode district alone were removed from the draft list during this revision.
Mehaboob emphasized the practical consequence of flawed booth grouping: it would pose significant difficulties for voters, especially the elderly and infirm, to reach polling stations that are far removed from their homes. This could lead to voter suppression on polling day.
The CPM leader concluded with a firm demand, urging the Election Commission of India to immediately correct the lapses in both the voters' list and the Special Intensive Revision process. The party insists that the sanctity of the electoral roll must be preserved to uphold democratic rights.
