With only a few days remaining before polling, allegations of large-scale deletion of voter names have emerged from the Jagiroad constituency in Morigaon district, Assam, leaving hundreds of residents uncertain about their ability to vote in the upcoming elections.
Residents of Kuyadal village under Paliguri Gaon Panchayat have alleged that around 170 voters, including both men and women from minority communities, have found their names missing from the revised electoral roll. The issue is reported to have impacted voters from Wards 4 and 5 of the panchayat.
The concern appears to extend beyond Paliguri, with similar claims surfacing from Buraburi and Kuranibori gaon panchayats, where several individuals from minority communities are also said to have been removed from the voter list.
Adding to the allegations, Congress candidate Bubul Das claimed that nearly 4,000 names have been deleted across various panchayats within the Jagiroad constituency.
According to locals, many of those affected have been voting regularly for generations, and their names were included in the final electoral roll published on March 10. However, in the revised list released on March 23, their names were reportedly missing.
The sudden omission has caused confusion and concern among voters, particularly with polling day approaching. Questions are being raised about the reasons behind the deletions and whether those affected will have a chance to restore their names before voting.
It is worth noting that Bubul Das is set to face sitting MLA and cabinet minister Pijush Hazarika in what is expected to be a closely watched contest.
