Politics · India Bureau
Congress flags 'alarming' voter roll exclusions in Maharashtra poll drive
The Opposition party has raised concerns over the exclusion of over 2 crore voters from Maharashtra's electoral rolls, warning of potential disenfranchisement. Congress has sought a two-month extension of the claims and objections period and called for an independent probe into the matter.
LSN India ·
Congress has written to Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam, expressing alarm over the ongoing Special Inclusionary Review (SIR) process in the state, citing the exclusion of more than 2 crore voters from electoral rolls.
The party has raised objections to the current voter verification drive, contending that a substantial number of eligible voters could be systematically disenfranchised if the process continues without adequate safeguards and review mechanisms.
In its formal communication, Congress has demanded that the state election commission extend the period for filing claims and objections by two months, providing voters with sufficient opportunity to contest their removal from the rolls. The party has also requested an independent investigation into the exclusions.
The concerns underscore growing tensions between poll authorities and political parties over electoral preparedness ahead of upcoming elections in the state. Election commissions typically undertake special review processes to identify and remove duplicate or deceased voters from rolls, though such exercises often become flashpoints for disputes regarding their scope and implementation.