Congress Alleges BJP Councillor Attempted to Remove Padma Shri Awardee from Electoral Roll
The Gujarat unit of the Congress party has made serious allegations against a BJP councillor from Junagadh, claiming he attempted to have the name of a recently honored Padma Shri awardee removed from the voter list during the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls.
Allegations of Unlawful Activity During Electoral Revision
According to Congress state media convenor Manish Doshi, the BJP councillor submitted Form No. 7 specifically targeting Haji Kasam Rathod, also known as Haji Ramakdu, who was selected for the prestigious Padma Shri award on the eve of Republic Day this year for his contributions to the field of art. The Congress party has characterized this action as a clear example of unlawful activities being conducted during the special intensive revision process.
Significance of the Targeted Individual
Manish Doshi emphasized that Haji Ramakdu has established a significant reputation both within India and internationally through his artistic work. The Congress spokesperson stated that it was a matter of considerable pride for Gujarat that one of its residents had been chosen for such a distinguished national honor. The party finds it particularly concerning that someone of such national recognition would be targeted for removal from the electoral roll.
Political Implications and Broader Context
This allegation comes at a time when electoral processes are under increased scrutiny across the country. The Congress party has framed this incident as representative of broader concerns about the integrity of voter list management during special revision periods. The party spokesperson specifically highlighted that the use of Form 7 to delete a voter's name requires proper justification and due process, suggesting these protocols may not have been followed in this instance.
The controversy raises questions about:
- The verification processes during special intensive revision of electoral rolls
- Potential political motivations behind voter list modifications
- The protection of voting rights for recognized citizens and award recipients
- Oversight mechanisms for electoral roll management at local levels
Response and Next Steps
While the Congress party has made these allegations public, the BJP councillor in question and the BJP party organization have yet to issue an official response to these specific claims. The incident has drawn attention to the procedures governing electoral roll revisions and the importance of maintaining accurate voter lists while preventing unauthorized modifications.
As the special intensive revision of electoral rolls continues, this case highlights the need for transparent processes and proper documentation when making changes to voter registration records, particularly when involving individuals of national prominence and recognition.
