Assam's Silchar Grapples with Electoral Roll Controversy as Deceased Names Persist
Controversy surrounding the Special Revision (SR) of the electoral roll in Assam continues to escalate, with names of several deceased individuals emerging in the voter list, specifically affecting residents of Silchar. This has sparked significant concerns about the accuracy of corrections implemented by election authorities, casting a shadow over the integrity of the electoral process.
Deceased Voters Remain Listed in Ward No. 38
Among those yet to be removed from the electoral roll are Malina Kar Purkayastha, Uma Shankar Sarkar, Sudipa Bhattacharya, Biswajyoti Raha, and Sribas Das. These individuals, all residents of Ward No. 38 under the Silchar Municipal Corporation and registered voters at Centre No. 176, have reportedly passed away several years ago, according to local residents.
Family members of some of the deceased have come forward with allegations, stating that they informed booth level officers (BLOs) during house-to-house verification visits and submitted the necessary documents to update the records. However, their efforts appear to have been in vain, as the names persist in the official roll.
BLOs Report Submissions, But Corrections Unreflected
When contacted, some BLOs expressed frustration, claiming they had duly submitted revised records along with supporting documents for deaths, marriages, relocations, and other changes. "Over the years, I have updated records related to the deaths of voters, marriages, relocation of residents, and other changes. However, to my surprise, in many cases the corrections were not reflected when the electoral roll was revised," said a BLO, who requested anonymity. This discrepancy highlights potential systemic issues in the data processing or implementation stages of the revision process.
Residents Fear for Electoral Credibility
The ongoing discrepancies have ignited widespread concern among Silchar residents, who fear that such lapses could severely undermine the credibility and fairness of the electoral process. Inaccurate voter lists not only risk enabling fraudulent activities but also erode public trust in democratic institutions, making this a critical issue ahead of future elections.
District Election Officer Responds
Cachar district election officer Masi Topno addressed the situation, suggesting that the issue may have remained unresolved due to a lack of formal objections being filed. "However, I will take it up," he assured, indicating a commitment to investigate and rectify the matter. This response underscores the need for proactive measures and clearer communication channels between authorities and citizens to ensure electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date.
The persistence of deceased names in Assam's electoral roll, particularly in Silchar, underscores broader challenges in maintaining voter list integrity. As the controversy unfolds, it calls for enhanced scrutiny and improved administrative processes to safeguard the democratic framework in the region.
