The Election Commission of India faces scrutiny from the Calcutta High Court over demands to prolong the voter list revision period in West Bengal. This directive arrives at a tense moment, as political parties clash over the purity of electoral rolls crucial for free and fair elections.
Petitioners, including activists and local leaders, approached the court alleging systemic flaws in the ongoing special summary revision (SSR). They pointed to instances where elderly voters, new residents, and women heads of households were omitted due to stringent documentation norms and short notice periods. ‘The process is exclusionary by design,’ argued senior counsel during hearings.
Under fire, the ECI maintains that extensions could jeopardize the timeline for final publications ahead of polls. The commission’s affidavit is expected to outline logistical hurdles, including manpower shortages and the massive scale – West Bengal boasts over 7 crore voters across 294 constituencies.
Flashpoints have emerged in border districts plagued by infiltration claims, where deletions of ‘doubtful’ voters have ignited fury. The BJP demands a complete overhaul, citing National Population Register data mismatches, while the TMC accuses rivals of voter suppression tactics.
Judges emphasized the balance between efficiency and inclusivity, granting two weeks for ECI’s reply. Meanwhile, auxiliary drives like e-EPIC issuance and voter helplines are ramping up to mitigate gaps.
This episode reflects broader national debates on electoral reforms, from Aadhaar integration to overseas voting. In West Bengal, where the 2021 assembly polls saw record turnouts amid violence, stakes are extraordinarily high.
As responses pour in, all eyes are on whether the ECI will budge or hold firm. A balanced approach could prevent disenfranchisement; rigidity might invite more litigation. Ultimately, robust voter lists are the bedrock of democracy, ensuring every voice counts in the world’s largest democracy.