The proceedings of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly were significantly disrupted on Thursday, January 30, 2026, following a heated row over allegations of 'fake' entries in the state's voter lists. The controversy, which has sparked intense political debate, led to a temporary halt in legislative business as members engaged in a spirited exchange over the integrity of the electoral rolls.
MLA Cites Constitutional Authority of Election Commission
During the session, BJP MLA Kailash Chandra Patel invoked Article 324 of the Constitution of India to underscore the exclusive jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in all matters pertaining to electoral rolls. Patel emphasized that the preparation, revision, addition, or deletion of names in voter lists falls squarely under the purview of the ECI, a constitutional body mandated to ensure free and fair elections.
Allegations of Irregularities in Voter Lists
The disruption stemmed from allegations that the voter lists in certain constituencies contained numerous fake or erroneous entries, raising concerns about potential electoral malpractices. These claims have prompted calls for a thorough investigation and immediate corrective measures to maintain the sanctity of the democratic process.
Patel's intervention highlighted the legal framework governing electoral rolls, pointing out that any interference or irregularities in this domain could undermine the credibility of elections. He urged the assembly to respect the constitutional mandate of the ECI and avoid politicizing the issue, which he argued should be addressed through proper channels and in accordance with established procedures.
Impact on Legislative Business
The row over the voter list entries led to a temporary adjournment of the assembly proceedings, as lawmakers from various parties expressed their views on the matter. The disruption underscores the sensitivity of electoral issues in Indian politics, where the accuracy and transparency of voter lists are crucial for ensuring democratic representation.
This incident comes amid ongoing efforts by the Election Commission to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls across the country, aimed at updating and purging any inaccuracies. The controversy in Rajasthan serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in maintaining error-free voter lists and the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions to safeguard electoral integrity.
