Over 2,000 Sandeshkhali Residents Declared 'Non-Indian' in Voter List Controversy
In a startling development that has sent shockwaves through the community, more than 2,000 residents of the Boyarmari-2 gram panchayat in Sandeshkhali, Kolkata, have received official notices declaring them as 'not Indian citizens'. These notices, which have been arriving over the past few days, are allegedly based on Form-7 submissions filed by BJP workers seeking the deletion of their names from the voters' list.
Election Commission Steps In Amid Growing Tensions
On Thursday, the Election Commission (EC) took swift action by seeking a detailed report from the North 24 Parganas District Magistrate following formal complaints lodged by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian Secular Front (ISF). This move comes as the notices have triggered widespread anxiety and anger among the affected residents, who now find their citizenship and voting rights under scrutiny.
Residents Voice Outrage and Confusion
The emotional toll on the community is palpable, with many residents expressing deep distress over the sudden questioning of their Indian identity. Aminul Sheikh, one of the individuals labeled as 'non-Indian', stated emphatically, 'We are Indians, and we have documentary proof to back it up. All my family members were listed on the 2002 SIR list. Yet, after the BJP wrote to the EC, we have been unjustly declared non-Indians overnight.'
Echoing similar sentiments, Nilufa Parvin questioned the basis of the EC's actions, saying, 'On what grounds did the EC put our names under suspicion? We have heard that BJP submitted Form-7s against us. This is not just bureaucratic; it is deeply humiliating.' Another resident, Kutubuddin Tarafdar, added to the chorus of frustration, noting, 'I exercised my democratic right by voting in the last election. Now, I am being told that I am not even an Indian citizen. It makes no sense.'
Political Accusations and Counterclaims
The controversy has quickly escalated into a political battleground, with accusations flying from all sides. TMC MLA Sukumar Mahata condemned the episode as a 'BJP conspiracy' and an insidious attempt to 'erase people's identities' for political gain. Meanwhile, ISF MLA Nawsad Siddique has raised the issue directly with the Chief Electoral Officer, demanding immediate clarification and rectification.
In response, BJP's Sandeshkhali-3 mandal chief Robin Das defended the party's actions, asserting, 'The number of infiltrators has significantly increased in Sandeshkhali during the TMC's tenure. That is precisely why we submitted Form-7s to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.' However, officials from the North 24 Parganas administration, including District Magistrate Shashank Shetty and Basirhat Sub-Divisional Officer Jasleen Kaur, have declined to comment on the ongoing matter, leaving many questions unanswered.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident highlights several critical issues:
- The potential misuse of electoral forms like Form-7 to challenge citizenship status.
- The emotional and psychological impact on residents who face sudden disenfranchisement.
- The role of political parties in influencing voter list revisions and the ensuing tensions.
- The need for transparent and fair processes by the Election Commission to uphold democratic values.
As the investigation unfolds, the residents of Sandeshkhali await justice and clarity, hoping for a resolution that reaffirms their rightful place as Indian citizens. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how similar disputes are handled across the country, emphasizing the delicate balance between electoral integrity and individual rights.
