Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has raised concerns regarding the deletion of approximately 9.8 lakh electors in Odisha amid the preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Patra has urged the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, to ensure that no deletions are finalised without thorough investigation and public disclosure of the pertinent data.

Patra’s requests come in light of a significant number of complaints reported to the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha, claiming wrongful deletions. In his correspondence, he stated that around 9.8 lakh electors had been identified for potential removal during the initial verification phase, which he claimed raises substantial concerns about electoral integrity.

He mentioned, “There is prima facie evidence from various independent reports indicating procedural irregularities and a risk of wrongful disenfranchisement.” Allegations regarding the failure of field verification procedures have surfaced, particularly pointing towards neglect by Booth Level Officers who are responsible for ensuring proper verification before deletions.

Concerns Over Verification Process

Patra also highlighted that credible sources suggest Booth Level Officers frequently did not carry out necessary physical verifications prior to marking electors for deletion. This practice deviates from established electoral procedures and triggers serious questions regarding the validity of the process.

The BJD MP further noted that around 2 lakh objections had reportedly been submitted under Form 7 within a short timeframe, indicating widespread public dissatisfaction and raising potential issues concerning inaccuracies in the deletion process. These concerns have prompted calls for intervention from the authorities responsible for overseeing the electoral process.

In his appeal, Patra referred to similar issues encountered in other states during the SIR exercise, where judicial bodies have previously mandated transparency and adherence to due process. These instances drew attention to the necessity of careful handling of voter deletion issues, suggesting that without adequate safeguards, eligible voters might unintentionally be excluded.

Recommendations for Electoral Integrity

Patra’s letter outlines several recommendations aimed at ensuring electoral integrity throughout this process. He requests that no deletions be confirmed without rigorous and independently verified inquiries. He also urges for a comprehensive statewide re-verification of elector cases flagged for deletion during the initial preparation phase.

Additionally, he calls for full transparency by mandating public disclosure of constituency-wise and category-wise proposed deletions along with the reasons for such actions. An independent audit or supervisory mechanism is also suggested for districts where significant discrepancies have been reported to maintain electoral accountability.

Moreover, Patra advocates for the strengthening of grievance redressal systems to guarantee that every affected elector receives adequate notice and an opportunity to address their concerns. He has requested that the Election Commission provide a detailed response encompassing corrective actions being implemented and proposed.”, as well as sending a team to Odisha to assess the situation thoroughly.

The preparatory work for the SIR exercise commenced earlier in April, with the voter list revision scheduled for its third phase in Odisha. Following the completion of the first phase in Bihar, additional states and union territories—including nine states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu—were subsequently included in the second phase of the revision exercise.

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