Kolkata Voters Endure Lengthy Queues and Document Demands in Election Commission Hearings
On Tuesday, numerous locations across Kolkata witnessed hearing queues that surpassed typical voting-day lines, as residents voiced frustration over extended waiting periods outside designated venues. The Election Commission had summoned approximately 150 to 200 individuals per part number in various assembly constituencies to expedite the resolution of electoral roll discrepancies, but the process left many feeling harassed by stringent document requirements.
Residents Decry Unnecessary Harassment Over Minor Issues
Hari Narayan Das, a resident of Beleghata, expressed his dismay after waiting nearly two hours only to be asked for additional proof. "My name was absent from the 2002 Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls, so I linked myself with my father, whose name was listed. I presented my Aadhaar card, which includes my father's name, but the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer demanded my Madhyamik certificate," he recounted. "My son had to rush home to fetch it. Why such harassment over a minor detail?"
Zeeshan Hossain, who works in Saudi Arabia and returned to Kolkata from Narkeldanga for the hearing, faced a similar ordeal. "My family has lived in Kolkata for over a century, and I possess all government documents, including my passport. Yet, the EC issued a hearing notice due to a slight mismatch in my father's surname," he lamented.
Nomination Rules Ignored, Adding to Voter Frustration
Despite the commission's policy allowing voters to nominate representatives for hearings, Jaideep Gupta from Bidhannagar encountered resistance when appearing on behalf of his brother, who is currently in Delhi. "I brought my brother's documents and a nomination letter, but the official refused to accept them because I didn't have my own identification. This is insane," he stated.
Manoj Das of central Kolkata was baffled by a notice citing an age discrepancy with his deceased father. "The notice claimed my father is only five years older than me, which is impossible since he passed away years ago. It was clearly the EC's error, and I had to submit his death certificate to resolve it," he explained.
Vague Discrepancies and Business Disruptions Highlight Process Flaws
Dilip Jaiswal, called for a hearing over "logical discrepancies," found the process opaque. "The official didn't specify the exact issue. I submitted a photocopy of my class X certificate, which was accepted, but I had to close my small business for the day to attend," he said after his hearing at Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Institution in Phoolbagan.
A Booth Level Officer from Beleghata assembly constituency noted that between January 27 and 31, an average of 150 to 200 people per part number would attend hearings as the EC accelerates the verification process. This surge has led to overcrowded venues and heightened complaints from voters who feel the system is overly burdensome for minor issues.
The widespread grievances underscore a need for more efficient and transparent procedures in electoral roll updates, ensuring that citizens are not unduly inconvenienced during such critical democratic exercises.
