Assam Electoral Roll Objections Spark Controversy as 'Dead' Voters Found Alive
In a startling development in Assam, numerous voters have received notices declaring them deceased, based on objections filed by a single individual, leading to widespread confusion and administrative challenges. The situation has prompted the suspension of public hearings in three constituencies, highlighting flaws in the electoral roll revision process ahead of assembly polls.
Bulk Objections Cause Administrative Headache
Retired government employee Hafizuddin Ahmed was among those who received a notice summoning him for a hearing, with the objection citing his death. He rushed to the local office with his voter ID card and documents, where officials verified his status. Similarly, his neighbor Javed Akhtar received notices for his bedridden father-in-law and wife, with objections listed as death and shifted, respectively. These cases are part of a larger pattern where dozens of individuals have been targeted by similar bulk and fake objections.
The objections were filed by one Bishal Roy, who targeted 64 individuals from the same polling booth in the Nagaon-Batadraba constituency, including the Booth Level Officer and his wife. This has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, with minority groups and officials alike expressing alarm.
Administrative Response and Public Concerns
In response to the uproar, Nagaon District Commissioner Devashish Sharma, who also serves as the District Election Officer, issued a public notice placing hearings in Barhampur, Nagaon-Batadraba, and Raha constituencies on hold. The notice emphasized the administration's commitment to transparency and fairness, warning of legal action under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, against those filing false complaints.
Sharma cited insufficient infrastructure in hearing centers as a primary reason for the suspension, promising resumption once facilities are improved. He acknowledged that bulk objections could stem from political agents or overzealous individuals, with verification processes ongoing. Imtiaz Hussain of the All Assam Minority Students' Union noted that the order admits flaws in the process, with memoranda being submitted across districts.
Broader Implications and Electoral Roll Revision
The issue has spread beyond Nagaon, with Lakhimpur district also issuing a similar notice against multiple objections by single individuals. The Chief Election Office has deployed seven Electoral Roll Observers, senior IAS officers, to oversee processes and address concerns. This comes as Assam undergoes a Special Revision of electoral rolls, aiming to correct errors identified through house-to-house visits by BLOs.
During the claims and objections phase, individuals can file Form 7 to object to voter inclusions on grounds like death or shifting, with penalties for false submissions. The period for filing ends soon, with a final list to be published in February. This incident underscores the need for vigilance in maintaining electoral integrity, as false objections risk disenfranchising eligible voters and disrupting democratic processes.
