Elderly Residents Face Hardship for Voter Hearing in Murshidabad
Age and poor health did not prevent two elderly residents from Baidyanathpur village in Murshidabad district from attending a voter hearing this week. The Special Summary Revision hearing required their physical presence, causing significant distress to both individuals and their families.
Centenarian Struggles to Attend Due to Spelling Error
Haru Sheikh, who is 104 years old, had to travel to the Dakbangla Krishak Bazar centre in Burwan for Tuesday's hearing. His family hired a toto vehicle to transport him because he cannot walk properly. Three family members supported him as he climbed down from the second floor of the hearing centre.
Ajmer, Haru Sheikh's nephew, explained that the hearing notice came because of a spelling error in his uncle's name. "No one visited us to resolve this matter at home," Ajmer said. "We had to bring him here to protect his voter's right. It was very difficult for him."
Hospitalized Woman Discharged for Hearing
Monowara Bibi, 75, faced an even more challenging situation. She had been admitted to Kandi Hospital five days earlier after falling ill due to the extreme cold weather. Her family obtained her discharge on Monday specifically so she could attend Tuesday's hearing.
Alauddin, her grandson, revealed that Monowara Bibi's hearing was called due to a mistake in the spelling of her husband's name. "This was nothing but harassment," he stated firmly. "She is extremely weak and should not have been put through this ordeal."
Both elderly residents shared the same toto ride back to their village after completing the hearing process.
Officials Respond to the Situation
Additional District Magistrate Dina Narayan Ghosh acknowledged the incident and said he was looking into it. He emphasized that procedures exist for home hearings for elderly and infirm citizens.
"Hearings for many elderly people are being held at their homes," Ghosh explained. "Even Sub-Divisional Officers are visiting homes. If someone receives a hearing notice, they must inform the Booth Level Officer for a home hearing. Application forms are available with the BLOs. This information has been publicized at various levels."
Despite these established procedures, Ghosh confirmed he was investigating how these two elderly citizens ended up having to travel to the hearing centre.
Political Reactions and Broader Concerns
The incident has drawn criticism from local political representatives. Mahe Alam, the Trinamool Congress Burwan South Block president, accused the Election Commission of causing unnecessary harassment.
"In the name of Special Summary Revision, the EC is trying to make the BJP happy," Alam claimed. He further alleged that new notices were being issued at various booths, with each booth receiving 200-250 such notices.
A crowd gathered at the hearing centre as Haru Sheikh made his difficult descent, highlighting public concern about the treatment of elderly citizens in administrative processes.
The situation raises important questions about the implementation of voter verification procedures, particularly for vulnerable populations. While systems exist for home hearings, their proper execution appears inconsistent in some cases. The physical and emotional toll on elderly citizens forced to attend hearings despite health challenges underscores the need for more compassionate and efficient administrative practices.
