Assam Opposition Parties Raise Alarm Over Alleged Systematic 'Vote Theft' in Guwahati
In a significant development that has stirred political waters in Assam, leaders from the state's major opposition parties convened in Guwahati on Sunday to voice serious concerns about what they term as systematic 'vote chori' or vote theft. The delegation, comprising prominent opposition figures, met with Assam's Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting what they describe as deliberate manipulation of electoral rolls.
Allegations of Targeted Voter List Deletion
The opposition leaders presented compelling evidence suggesting that during the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls, a substantial number of legitimate voters have discovered their names mysteriously deleted from the official voter lists. This development has created widespread anxiety among the electorate, particularly within minority communities who appear to be disproportionately affected according to the opposition's claims.
Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of Opposition in Assam, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating that the 'vote chori' operation appears strategically designed to eliminate voters from minority communities or those perceived as unlikely to support the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Saikia emphasized that this constitutes a direct assault on democratic principles and electoral integrity.
Coalition of Opposition Voices
The delegation that approached the Chief Electoral Officer represented a broad spectrum of Assam's political opposition. Alongside Debabrata Saikia, the group included Akhil Gogoi, president of the Raijor Dal, and Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), along with several other prominent opposition leaders. This united front underscores the seriousness with which opposition parties view these alleged electoral irregularities.
Specific Grievances Outlined in Memorandum
The comprehensive memorandum submitted to the state CEO outlines several specific concerns:
- Allegations of "illegal, arbitrary and unlawful" bulk objections filed against genuine voters
- Primary grounds cited for these objections being deceased voters or those who have permanently shifted residences
- Concerns about electoral registration officers issuing notices on such objections with unreasonably short response times
- Notices allegedly failing to mention the specific grounds for objections, violating procedural norms
The memorandum further highlights that victims of recent eviction drives in Assam are being systematically deprived of their right to register as voters, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral integrity concerns.
Procedural Irregularities and Democratic Concerns
Beyond the specific allegations of targeted voter deletion, the opposition leaders raised serious questions about procedural irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. They pointed to what they describe as systematic flaws in how objections are being processed and how affected voters are being notified.
The timing of these allegations is particularly significant as Assam prepares for upcoming electoral processes. The opposition's united stance suggests this issue will become a central point of political discourse in the state, potentially influencing voter confidence and participation rates.
This development in Guwahati represents more than just a routine political complaint—it touches upon fundamental questions about electoral transparency, minority rights, and the integrity of democratic processes in one of India's strategically important northeastern states.
