The Election Commission of India has published the draft electoral roll for Rajasthan, revealing a significant revision with the deletion of over 4.2 lakh voter names. This major update, crucial for the state's democratic process, aims to create a more accurate and clean voter list by removing ineligible entries.
Scale and Reasons Behind the Massive Deletion
The draft roll, which was released for public scrutiny, shows that a total of 4,29,256 names have been deleted from the previous list. State election officials have clarified that this is not an arbitrary purge but a necessary cleanup driven by specific criteria.
The primary reasons cited for the removal include the deletion of duplicate entries and the names of deceased voters. Furthermore, names have been struck off for other disqualifying factors as per election laws. This exercise is part of the continuous process of updating the electoral roll to ensure its integrity.
Public Scrutiny and Next Steps for Voters
The draft roll is now open for claims and objections until January 15, 2025. This period is critical for citizens to verify their enrollment status. Voters who find their names missing or discover errors can file applications for inclusion or correction.
Pravin Ram, the Chief Electoral Officer of Rajasthan, emphasized that the final publication of the revised electoral roll is scheduled for January 31, 2025. He urged all eligible voters to actively participate in this process by checking the draft list available online and at designated voter facilitation centers.
How to Check Your Voter Status
Voters in Rajasthan can follow these simple steps to ensure their franchise is secured:
- Visit the official National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP) or the Chief Electoral Officer, Rajasthan website.
- Use the search function by entering details like name, relative's name, and district.
- Alternatively, visit your local Booth Level Officer (BLO) or designated voter help center for assistance.
- If your name is missing or details are incorrect, submit Form 6, 7, or 8 as applicable before the January 15 deadline.
This extensive revision underscores the Election Commission's commitment to maintaining a robust and reliable electoral database. With Rajasthan being a key political state, an accurate voter list is fundamental for ensuring free and fair elections. All political parties and civil society groups have been encouraged to spread awareness so that no legitimate voter is deprived of their right.
