Darjeeling Voter List Controversy Intensifies Amid Deletion of 1.4 Lakh Names
In a significant development, Darjeeling district is grappling with a major electoral controversy following the deletion of approximately 1.4 lakh voters' names from the final rolls published on Saturday. This has led to rising public concern and the appearance of posters targeting BJP MP Raju Bista in the Hill town's Chowk Bazar on Wednesday, adding fuel to the political fire.
Sharp Decline in Voter Numbers Sparks Outcry
The district, which had 12,92,857 voters as of October 27, 2025, has seen its voter count plummet to 11,48,209 after the Summary Revision (SIR) exercise. This drastic reduction has triggered widespread alarm among residents and political observers, with many questioning the integrity of the electoral process.
One of the posters, put up in the name of the "people of Darjeeling," delivered a strong message: "Stop the conspiracy to turn 50,000 Gorkhas into refugees. We strongly oppose it." The messages also raised doubts about the SIR process, highlighting deep-seated frustrations over potential disenfranchisement.
BJP MP Raju Bista Responds with Assurances and Accusations
In response to the growing backlash, BJP MP Raju Bista made a bold statement, vowing to quit politics if genuine voters' names were permanently deleted. He assured the public that 99.9% of the names currently marked as 'under adjudication' would be included in a supplementary list, aiming to allay fears of widespread exclusion.
Bista claimed that the SIR exercise had been unnecessarily politicized, shifting blame onto the district administration for the deletion of names and the high number of cases under adjudication. "Many genuine voters found their names missing due to administrative negligence. The BJP had no role in it," he asserted, distancing his party from the controversy.
Legal and Administrative Challenges Compound the Issue
Bista further elaborated on the complexities involved, noting that surname-related discrepancies had created additional complications during the judicial hearings. These hearings are being conducted by judges based in the Hills who understand the regional context, but the surname issues added to the confusion.
To address this, Bista announced plans to write to the Union home minister, seeking a gazette notification to resolve the matter. He also revealed that he had already written to the Election Commission (EC) seeking accountability for the deletions, emphasizing the need for transparency and corrective measures.
Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity in Darjeeling
The controversy underscores broader concerns about electoral integrity and voter rights in Darjeeling, a region with a history of political sensitivity. The deletion of such a large number of voters' names raises questions about the accuracy and fairness of the SIR process, potentially impacting future elections and public trust in democratic institutions.
As tensions simmer, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing adjudications and political maneuvering likely to shape the outcome. Stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution that ensures all eligible voters are reinstated and electoral processes are safeguarded against future errors.
