Kolkata Police Step In as Ad Hoc Counselors for Disenfranchised Voters
In an unexpected turn of events, police officers posted outside the tribunal office in Joka, Kolkata, have taken on the role of informal counselors for voters whose names were struck off during the Summary Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. With entry barred into the SPM-NIWAS campus, where tribunal authorities are processing appeals, these individuals find themselves unable to directly communicate with officials, leading to a reliance on law enforcement for guidance.
Scramble for Clarity Amid Absence of Official Help Desk
The lack of a designated help desk has prompted a rush to the police kiosk, where voters anxiously seek answers about their eligibility to participate in the upcoming assembly polls. On a recent Monday, officers fielded a barrage of questions, including inquiries such as "Will I be able to cast my vote in this election?", "Has my appeal reached the tribunal?", "When will the tribunal's decision be known?", and "Do I need to return here to check if my name has been reinstated?".
Despite their willingness to assist, the police personnel admit to having limited knowledge and answers regarding the internal proceedings of the tribunal. One officer expressed concern, stating, "We have not received any guidelines on how to handle electors directed here by their Booth Level Officers (BLOs), neighbors, or political party agents who visited during the SIR enumeration. These people are unaware that only those summoned are permitted inside. It's disheartening to see them travel long distances in the scorching heat, only to face uncertainty."
Personal Stories Highlight Systemic Gaps
Individual cases underscore the challenges faced by affected voters. Md Naseer, a resident of Beckbagan, sought police assistance on behalf of his octogenarian uncle, Md Khaleed, whose name was deleted despite appearing on the 2002 SIR list. "The officials refused to meet me, and security guards turned me away. Even the police lacked clarity on why this deletion occurred," he lamented.
Similarly, Behala resident Rakesh Shah, along with ten family members, experienced SIR deletions but had not filed appeals. Upon arriving at the tribunal with documents, police advised him to submit an appeal promptly, highlighting the ad hoc nature of the support being provided.
In response to queries, police reiterated their instructions: "As per our orders, only individuals with hearing notices from the tribunal are allowed entry. We advise everyone to return only if they receive a summons, especially since notices may be issued for appeals with unsatisfactory supporting documents." This situation reveals a critical gap in voter assistance mechanisms during electoral processes.
