Protest in Basirhat, West Bengal as 340 Muslim Voters Removed from Electoral Rolls

A significant controversy has emerged in the Basirhat North Assembly constituency of West Bengal following the removal of 340 voters from the electoral roll at Booth No. 5 in Boro Gobra village. The affected voters, all members of the Muslim community, were listed as “under adjudication” in the draft roll. However, their names were deleted in the supplementary list published yesterday at 5 pm, leading to widespread discontent among the local population.

The situation escalated when it became known that the name of the Booth Level Officer, Md Shafiul Alam, was also removed from the rolls. In light of these events, more than a hundred residents gathered for protests at Alam’s residence and on the streets, claiming that this action represented a deliberate targeting of the Muslim community. Many expressed their frustration over the perceived lack of transparency from electoral authorities regarding these deletions.

Md Shafiul Alam reported that his efforts to obtain clarity on the situation from the Block Development Officer of Basirhat Block II were met with the information that no further action would be taken, and he found it difficult to reach the Electoral Registration Officer. One affected voter, Kajirul Mondal, highlighted that although the Election Commission mandates the submission of only one out of eleven valid documents, many of those affected had submitted multiple documents, yet their names were still omitted from the rolls.

Protesters have claimed that the Election Commission’s actions were influenced by political pressures aimed at satisfying certain partisan interests. In response to the deletions, Alam announced his intention to escalate the matter to a tribunal for legal recourse. The controversy primarily revolves around the voter registry for Booth No. 5, which is under the jurisdiction of the Begumpur Bibipur Gram Panchayat in Basirhat Block II, where there are 992 registered voters.

Of the total 358 voters summoned for hearings regarding their eligibility, 38 were standard removals due to reasons like death or relocation. While 18 cases were resolved during the draft list phase, an overwhelming 340 names were ultimately moved to the deleted category during the publication of the supplementary list yesterday. Alam stated that he had personally guided these voters through the documentation process, ensuring compliance with the requirements set forth by the Election Commission, yet names were still inexplicably removed.

This unexpected mass removal has created a climate of tension in the area, with calls for further investigation into the matter. Residents and officials alike are demanding accountability and a review of the procedures that led to such a significant and contentious outcome. As the situation evolves, the community remains vigilant in seeking resolutions to restore faith in the electoral process.

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