Dhubri Electoral Roll Revision Sparks Controversy with Voter Deletions
In Dhubri district, a significant controversy has erupted during the Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls, with allegations of attempted voter name deletions causing public uproar. Amid this turmoil, election officials have confirmed the removal of 65 individuals classified as "D" (doubtful) voters from the final voter list across five assembly constituencies. These voters are accused of enrolling by fraudulently changing their identities, a serious breach of electoral integrity.
Legal Action Promised Against Fraudulent Enrolments
An official statement has declared that legal action will be taken against these "D" voters who allegedly registered under different identities. This move underscores the administration's commitment to maintaining a clean and transparent electoral process. Dhubri District Commissioner Nabadeep Pathak provided detailed figures, revealing that 6,329 new voters were added compared to the previous list, bringing the district's total electorate to 1,217,797. This increase highlights ongoing efforts to update the rolls while addressing fraudulent entries.
Officials Deny Irregularities in Voter List Revision
Responding to specific allegations that 4,000 names were deleted in the Bilasipara assembly constituency, District Commissioner Pathak firmly denied any irregularities. He explained that the SR process strictly followed guidelines, with deletions limited to deceased voters, "D" voters, and illegal voters with duplicate entries in multiple locations. This clarification aims to dispel rumors and reassure the public about the fairness of the electoral roll updates.
Counting Venue Under Review for Upcoming Elections
In related developments, Dhubri Election Officer Sugata Goswami informed TOI that the counting venue for the five assembly constituencies might be changed. Officials are exploring a new location where all counting can be conducted under one roof, replacing the earlier venue at Bholanath College. This potential shift is part of logistical improvements to ensure smoother election operations.
Routine Scrutiny to Continue for Electoral Integrity
A source within the Dhubri district administration emphasized that voter list revision has become routine work for the election office. Doubtful voters will remain under continuous scrutiny until all illegal names are systematically removed, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding the electoral system. This ongoing process is crucial for preventing fraud and upholding democratic principles in the region.
