BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari Claims 1 Crore Invalid Voters in Bengal

The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has asserted that the electoral rolls in the state contain nearly one crore entries of invalid voters, including Rohingya immigrants, Bangladeshi citizens, deceased individuals, duplicate entries, and fraudulent names. Adhikari called on the Election Commission of India to take immediate action by removing these names to uphold the integrity of the voter list.

Speaking to reporters in Howrah on August 3, 2023, Adhikari emphasized the need for a credible electoral process. “There are nearly one crore Rohingya immigrants, Bangladeshi Muslim voters, deceased voters, duplicate entries, and fake voters in West Bengal. The Election Commission of India should remove these names to ensure the credibility of the voter list,” he stated.

In support of these claims, Sukanta Majumdar, a Union Minister and BJP leader, advocated for a special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. This call follows a similar revision currently being conducted in Bihar. Majumdar pointed out that the SIR process is a regular procedure of the Election Commission, noting that a similar initiative in 2002 led to the removal of 20 lakh names from the voter list. “It is the role of the Election Commission to rectify the voter list. A well-proof voter list is necessary to make our democracy vibrant,” he affirmed during a press briefing in Siliguri.

The discourse surrounding the electoral rolls has drawn criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Abhishek Banerjee, a prominent TMC leader, dismissed the SIR initiative, labeling it “Silent Invisible Rigging.” He accused the Election Commission of favoring the BJP and highlighted instances of improper documentation, such as a residential certificate issued in a dog’s name. Banerjee argued that legitimate voters are being unjustly removed from the rolls.

“Under the pretext of SIR, the names of the citizens of this country are being deleted from the list, and a residential certificate is being issued in the name of a dog,” Banerjee claimed. “The Election Commission is even accepting this residential certificate. Those who use their voting rights to question the government are having their voting rights taken away.”

The assertions made by both sides reflect the heightened political tensions in West Bengal as the state approaches upcoming elections. The debate over the integrity of the voter list continues to be a critical issue, with implications for the democratic process in the region.

As the situation develops, the actions of the Election Commission of India will be closely monitored, particularly in response to the allegations of significant numbers of invalid voters on the rolls. The outcome of this dispute may have lasting effects on both political parties and the electorate in West Bengal.