Darjeeling MP urges review of voter name deletions

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING,: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has written to West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal seeking a review and re-verification of cases involving deletion or adjudication of voter names.

In a press release on Friday, Bista said, “I have written to the Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal regarding the numerous complaints and representations I have received from constituents following the publication of the final electoral roll under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).”

“After the release of the final roll, several individuals have reported that their names have either been deleted or placed under adjudication despite having completed all required formalities and fully complying with the SIR process. These developments have caused considerable anxiety and confusion among voters,” said Bista.

The Darjeeling MP further maintained that in many instances, affected individuals have stated that they did not receive any prior notice, explanation, or opportunity to clarify discrepancies before their names were deleted or flagged under adjudication.

“Such cases raise serious concerns about the safeguarding of citizens’ voting rights. I have explained that the situation is particularly challenging for residents of remote and mountainous areas like ours. Due to difficult terrain and limited accessibility, it becomes difficult for the people to repeatedly travel for documentation processes,” he said.

Bista mentioned that he has requested the CEO to urgently review and re-verify all cases involving deletion or adjudication of voter names.

“I have also requested that special teams be constituted at the block level to assist citizens with the resubmission and re-verification process. This will ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised due to procedural or administrative lapses,” he said.