Sporting Icons Rally Against Citizenship Verification in Kolkata
More than 150 current and former athletes staged a protest in Kolkata on Monday. They voiced strong opposition to hearing notices issued by the Election Commission. These notices demand that the sportspersons and their family members appear for hearings to establish their Indian citizenship.
Prominent Figures Lead the Demonstration
The protest took place outside the Bhowanipore Club. It featured several well-known names from the world of Indian sports. Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, a former Indian cricketer and current Bengal team coach, joined the gathering. Former football stars Compton Dutta, Aloke Mukherjee, Aloke Das, and Mehtab Hossain also participated actively.
The athletes expressed deep frustration with the Special Intensive Revision process of electoral rolls. They argued that their national identities are already well-established through their sporting achievements. They demanded an exemption from these hearings.
Personal Stories of Harassment Emerge
Manas Bhattacharya, a football legend from Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting, spoke passionately. "We have worn the India jersey. Why should we be served hearing notices to prove that we belong to India? I have come here to denounce this insult," he stated.
Lakshmi Ratan Shukla received a notice on January 7. He could not attend the scheduled hearing due to his coaching commitments for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Election Commission later cited an incomplete SIR form submission.
Compton Dutta, aged 69, attended a hearing in Salt Lake's FE block. He carried all his passports dating back to 1975. "The officials seemed put to shame by my documents," Dutta remarked. He now faces another hearing for his son, who resides in Oman.
Family Members Drawn Into the Fray
Aloke Mukherjee, former captain of the Indian football team, labeled the process as harassment. His younger son, a scientist in Tamil Nadu, received a notice. Mukherjee could not attend the Sunday hearing due to his book launch event. "I take it as an insult that my son is being asked to prove he is Indian," the 66-year-old said.
Aloke Das and his son have hearings scheduled for January 17. Das described the experience as an ordeal. "Fans surround us for autographs or selfies while we stand in queue. Even the Booth Level Officer took a selfie with me," he shared.
Mehtab Hossain expressed dismay that his mother and elder sister must attend hearings. His 65-year-old mother has voted since age 18. "Is this a joke! This hearing only causes harassment," Hossain lamented.
A Wider Pattern of Notices
Earlier, Indian cricket team pacer Mohammed Shami also received a hearing notice. He did not participate in Monday's protest. The collective action highlights growing discontent among athletes regarding citizenship verification procedures.
The protest underscores a significant clash between bureaucratic processes and national sporting pride. These athletes feel their contributions to the country should exempt them from such scrutiny.
