Kolkata Voters Encounter Adjudication Issues in Electoral Roll Despite Completing SIR Process
Several electors across Kolkata, who diligently attended Summary Revision (SIR) hearings with their documents to resolve logical discrepancies, were surprised to discover their names listed under the adjudication category in the electoral roll published on Saturday. This development has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the voter verification process and the potential disenfranchisement of legitimate voters.
Case Studies Highlight Systemic Challenges
The family of Rishav Ganguly, a 25-year-old resident of Scott Lane near Sealdah, exemplifies the confusion. Rishav's great-grandfather, Khogendranath Ganguly, migrated to Kolkata from Chuadanga (now in Bangladesh) during the 1946 riots. The family uses the title Acharya, historically granted by the Raja of Krishnagore to denote scholarly status. In the 2002 electoral roll, Rishav's father was listed as Tithankar Acharya, though he also uses the surname Ganguly.
Rishav explained, "Being a minor in 2002, I was mapped to my father in the enumeration form. On February 4, I appeared for the SIR hearing and submitted an affidavit declaring that my father, who uses both Acharya and Ganguly, is the same person. I produced all documents, including an affidavit from the court of the Ld Judicial Magistrate 1st Class. Yet, on Saturday night, I checked the roll and found my name under adjudication, not included in the main list."
Students and Professionals Similarly Affected
Anubhav Das, an MBBS student at SSKM Hospital and resident of Rifle Range Road in Ballygunge, did not receive any call for a hearing but found himself under adjudication. "I was mapped to my father, Amit Das, also a doctor, in the 2002 roll as I was not an adult then. Even on the draft SIR list, my name was present with my parents'. On December 25, the Booth Level Officer called and asked for my PAN card. I have my passport, but it wasn't requested. Checking the roll on Sunday, I saw my name under adjudication," he stated.
Mohammad Reyaz, a professor at Aliah University and resident of Kidderpore, has traveled to six countries for seminars, yet his passport was deemed unsatisfactory by the Election Commission. "Everyone in my family, except my mother, is under adjudication. We were mapped to my mother due to a spelling error in my father's name in the 2002 roll. All of us, except one brother, submitted passports for the SIR exercise. Why were we marked?" he questioned.
Further Instances of Procedural Gaps
Shah Umayer Ahamed from Deganga reported that his mother, Arafatun Nesa, was under adjudication despite attending the hearing. "She was called because six persons were mapped to her father. She submitted documents, but her name was marked under adjudication, and we're unsure what to do next," he said.
Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity
These cases underscore potential flaws in the SIR process, where voters with valid documentation and hearing attendance are still flagged for adjudication. The issues range from surname discrepancies and mapping errors to unclear document requirements and lack of post-hearing clarity. This situation not only inconveniences individuals but also raises questions about the transparency and efficiency of voter roll updates, potentially impacting voter turnout and trust in the electoral system.
As Kolkata prepares for upcoming elections, resolving these adjudication cases promptly is crucial to ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their democratic right without unnecessary hurdles.
