VoterRights – Appeals Over Missing Names Raise Concerns Ahead of Bengal Polls

VoterRights –  Abdul Tahid Sheikh, a resident of Jadupur Pojadupur village in Murshidabad district, has approached an Appellate Tribunal seeking the restoration of his name in the electoral roll. In his petition submitted online on April 11, Sheikh stated that he is an Indian citizen by birth and meets all legal requirements to be registered as a voter. Despite this, his name was removed from the voter list, prompting him to challenge the decision.

Past Records Cited to Support Eligibility

In his appeal, Sheikh referred to multiple earlier electoral rolls where his name had been included, such as those from 1995 and 2002. He also highlighted his family’s long-standing presence in official records, noting that both his parents were listed in the 1952 electoral rolls. According to him, these documents establish his eligibility beyond doubt. He further maintained that he continues to reside at the same address and has not violated any election-related rules that would justify his removal.

Verification Completed but Name Still Deleted

Sheikh claimed that he complied with the verification process and submitted all required documents. However, his case was placed under a category marked “Adjudication,” after which his name was deleted from the final electoral list. In his plea, he requested the Tribunal to overturn the decision and direct authorities to restore his voting rights.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Sheikh had not received any communication regarding a hearing date. The lack of response is particularly concerning as the first phase of Assembly elections is scheduled for April 23, leaving very little time for resolution.

Tight Deadlines Add Pressure on Applicants

The timeline set by the Supreme Court has added urgency to such cases. Only those applicants whose appeals are resolved by April 21 will be allowed to vote in the first phase. Their names must appear in the updated voter list published on April 22. A similar deadline applies for the second phase of polling later in the month.

With limited time remaining, many individuals like Sheikh are uncertain whether their names will be reinstated in time to participate in the democratic process.

Large Number of Voters Removed From Rolls

Following a revision process, approximately 91 lakh names were removed from the electoral rolls. Authorities have stated that over 63 lakh entries were categorized as absent, shifted, deceased, or duplicate. Additionally, around 27 lakh names were excluded after failing to reappear in supplementary lists post-adjudication.

Sheikh is among many affected individuals, including others from different communities who have filed appeals but are still awaiting decisions.

Lack of Transparency in Tribunal Proceedings

Officials have indicated that Appellate Tribunals are responsible for reviewing such cases. According to an official from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kolkata, the final list will be released once tribunals confirm eligible voters. However, the process has raised concerns over transparency.

Access to Tribunal offices has reportedly been restricted, with even legal representatives facing difficulties in entering the premises. There is no publicly available data on how many appeals have been filed or resolved across the tribunals.

Families Express Concern Over Delays

Family members of affected individuals have voiced frustration over the lack of updates. Sheikh’s son stated that it has been over a week since the appeal was submitted, yet no response has been received. He described the situation as uncertain and stressful for the family.

Similar concerns have been reported from areas within the Beldanga constituency, where several residents claim that their names have been removed without clear explanation. Many have filed appeals but are still waiting for communication from authorities.

Uncertainty Persists Ahead of Polling Day

With election dates approaching rapidly, the absence of timely hearings and clear communication has left thousands unsure about their voting status. For individuals like Abdul Tahid Sheikh, the outcome of their appeals will determine whether they can exercise their fundamental right to vote.

As the deadlines draw closer, the situation underscores the importance of transparency and efficiency in electoral processes to ensure that eligible citizens are not excluded.