Election – Akhilesh Yadav Alleges Voter Roll Deletions in UP
Election – Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of working in tandem with the Election Commission of India to remove names from the electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing reporters in Kanpur, he claimed that a private company had been engaged to carry out large-scale deletions ahead of upcoming elections.
Questions Over Use of Form 7 After Revision
Yadav raised concerns about the continued use of Form 7, which is meant for objections to entries in the voter list, even after the completion of the Special Intensive Revision process. According to him, once the revision exercise had concluded, there was no justification for further deletions through additional forms.
He emphasized that the Election Commission, being a constitutional authority, carries the responsibility of safeguarding every eligible voter’s right to vote. “If the revision has already been completed, why are fresh applications being used to strike out names?” he asked. He added that the primary objective of the Commission should be to ensure maximum participation and prevent wrongful removal of voters.
Allegations of Targeted Deletions
The Samajwadi Party leader further alleged that many of the deleted entries bore the signatures of two individuals identified as Dashrath and Nandlal. He claimed that a significant number of the names removed under Dashrath’s signature reportedly belonged to members of the Muslim community.
Yadav also alleged irregularities involving Nandlal, whom he described as a daily wage labourer. He suggested that the man typically uses a thumb impression for official documents but was made to sign forms used to remove voter names. Yadav thanked booth-level officers for drawing attention to the issue and said the matter required a thorough investigation to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
Election Commission Extends Deadline
Earlier this month, the Election Commission of India announced an extension of the deadline for filing claims and objections under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in Uttar Pradesh. The new deadline has been set for March 3, 2026.
The extension followed a request from the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, who sought additional time to enable residents to submit corrections, additions, and objections regarding the draft electoral rolls. The draft lists had been published on January 6, 2026, and the original deadline for submitting claims was February 6.
According to a letter issued by the Commission on February 5, the decision was taken under the provisions of Rule 12 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Officials said the move aims to encourage broader public participation and ensure that the final voter list reflects accurate and verified information.
Political Implications in Uttar Pradesh
The issue of voter list revision has gained political attention in Uttar Pradesh, a state that plays a decisive role in national politics. Allegations related to electoral rolls often carry significant weight, particularly when raised by senior opposition leaders.
While Yadav has called for accountability and clarity over the alleged deletions, the Election Commission maintains that the revision process is conducted according to established legal procedures. The Commission has repeatedly stated in the past that its objective is to maintain accurate electoral rolls and provide every eligible citizen an opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
As the extended deadline approaches, political parties and voters alike are expected to closely monitor developments surrounding the revision exercise. The final electoral roll, once published, will determine the pool of eligible voters for upcoming elections in the state.