CPI(M) Petitions Election Commission to Halt Electoral Roll Revision, Citing 'War Against Voters'
In a significant development, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has formally requested the Election Commission of India to cancel the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging systematic violations that undermine democratic processes. The party's General Secretary, M.A. Baby, submitted a detailed petition to the Chief Election Commissioner, highlighting grave concerns over the integrity of voter registration procedures.
Allegations of Widespread Misuse in Assam's Electoral Process
The petition specifically points to alarming reports from Assam, where there have been instances of mass third-party objections filed using Form 7. According to CPI(M), these objections involve the misappropriation of Election Photo Identity Card numbers and mobile phone numbers, potentially disenfranchising legitimate voters on a large scale. This practice, the party argues, represents a direct assault on the fundamental right to vote and threatens the fairness of upcoming elections.
M.A. Baby emphasized that such actions constitute a 'war against voters', eroding public trust in electoral institutions. The CPI(M) contends that the current revision process, instead of ensuring accuracy and inclusivity, is being exploited to manipulate voter lists through fraudulent means. This has raised serious questions about the transparency and security of the electoral roll update mechanism.
Call for Immediate Action and Safeguards
In response to these allegations, the CPI(M) has urged the Election Commission to take swift corrective measures. The party's demands include:
- Immediate suspension of the Special Intensive Revision until proper safeguards are implemented.
- Thorough investigation into the reported misuse of Form 7 in Assam and other potentially affected regions.
- Enhanced verification protocols to prevent unauthorized objections and protect voter data.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their electoral rights and how to challenge improper objections.
The petition underscores the critical need for electoral integrity as a cornerstone of democracy. With the 2026 electoral cycle approaching, the CPI(M) warns that failure to address these issues could lead to widespread disenfranchisement and legal challenges, potentially destabilizing the political landscape. The Election Commission's response to this petition is eagerly awaited by political observers and civil society groups monitoring electoral reforms.
