Kolkata Voters Rally Against Electoral Roll Deletions Ahead of Polls
In a striking display of defiance, descendants of Mir Jafar and numerous voters across Kolkata are preparing to protest at polling stations on election day, armed with documents to challenge their sudden removal from electoral rolls. With tribunal appeals unlikely to conclude before voting, these individuals have resolved to make their voices heard directly at the booths, highlighting widespread concerns over voter exclusion in West Bengal.
Royal Lineage Faces Voting Hurdles
Syed Reza Ali Meerza, a 15th-generation descendant of Mir Jafar, known as the 'Chhote Nawab', expressed deep disappointment as he plans to approach his polling booth with all necessary paperwork. "If the presiding officer allows it, I will vote. Otherwise, I will return home," said Meerza, whose name was unexpectedly deleted from the electoral roll. His son, Syed Mohammad Fahim Meerza, a Trinamool Congress councillor from Ward 10 of Murshidabad Municipality, is also among those affected.
The family alleges that nearly 346 voters, many from the Nawabi lineage, were struck off from Booth 121 at Nava Adarsha High School in Lalbagh. Despite submitting all required documents and attending hearings, Meerza, an octogenarian, finds the restoration process daunting due to long queues and limited time. "At this age, it is difficult for me to stand in long lines," he remarked from his residence at Qila Nizamat, noting that district election officer R Arjun informed him restoration now rests solely with the tribunal.
Decades of Voting History Erased
Many affected voters expressed shock, pointing out that their names had appeared in electoral rolls for decades, including the 2002 SIR rolls. Meerza highlighted the irony of the situation: "There was a time when our ancestors judged their subjects. Today, we stand judged and excluded." This sentiment resonates with others across the state who refuse to stay home on poll day, determined to assert their voting rights.
Widespread Discontent Among Deleted Voters
Kalabati Devi, a 60-year-old resident of Alipore Road for four decades, is adamant about appearing at her booth on April 29. "Why should I let my voting right be snatched when I have all the valid documents? All my family members are on the roll, save for me. I have decided to go to the polling booth; let's see what happens," she asserted.
Sanjay Bohra of Bentinck Street criticized the process as "extremely illogical," suggesting voters may have been targeted by their surnames. "I have a valid voter ID and a passport proving my citizenship. I will go to the polling booth and ask why I was kept out," Bohra stated firmly.
In the Sealdah area, Priyangsu Paul, 23, faced deletion due to a "spelling mistake" despite submitting correct certificates. "Even if my appeal is not cleared, I will still go to the polling station to know what my fault was," Paul said, reflecting a broader sense of injustice.
Tripti Dubey of Bhowanipore plans a similar stand: "Despite the deletion of my name, I shall go to the polling booth and show my documents. I know I may not be allowed to enter, but I can protest outside with my papers."
A Unified Message of Resistance
From the royal quarters of Murshidabad to the bustling streets of Kolkata, the message from those stripped of their voting rights is clear: they will not be silenced. By appearing at polling stations with documents in hand, these voters aim to draw attention to systemic issues in the electoral process, ensuring their exclusion is noted and challenged on the very day meant for democratic participation.
