EC Orders Special Revision of Electoral Rolls in Assam
In a major pre-election push, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a special revision of electoral rolls in Assam ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The move aims to eliminate discrepancies, purge duplicate entries, and enroll eligible voters missed in earlier revisions.
Why Is This Revision Necessary?
Assam’s voter lists have long been under scrutiny due to:
– Alleged inclusion of illegal immigrants in electoral rolls.
– Exclusion of genuine voters, especially in border districts.
– Errors in voter details (names, addresses, polling stations).
The ECI’s special revision will:
✔ Remove duplicate/ineligible voters (including suspected foreigners).
✔ Add newly eligible voters (18+ or previously excluded).
✔ Update incorrect voter information.
Key Dates & Revision Process
The ECI has set a strict timeline:
– Draft Electoral Rolls Publication: Mid-October 2023.
– Claims & Objections Period: 30-day window for corrections.
– Final Electoral Roll Publication: December 2023.
Door-to-door verification will prioritize sensitive districts like Dhubri, Barpeta, and Karimganj, where “D-voters” (doubtful voters) remain a contested issue.
Political Reactions to the Revision
- BJP Supports the Move: Calls it a “clean-up of electoral rolls” to prevent illegal voting.
- Opposition Warns of Voter Suppression: Congress & AIUDF fear minority targeting.
- Civil Society Demands Transparency: Groups like KMSS seek public involvement.
Historical & Legal Context
Assam’s voter lists have been contentious since the 2019 NRC (National Register of Citizens), which excluded 1.9 million people. Over 100,000 D-voters still face unresolved citizenship disputes.
Potential Challenges
🚧 Logistical Issues: Flood-prone areas complicate verification.
⚖ Legal Battles: Possible lawsuits over alleged biased deletions.
🔥 Political Tensions: BJP’s “anti-infiltration” stance vs. opposition claims of bias.
What Voters Must Do
- ✅ Check details on the CEO Assam website.
- 📝 File corrections during the claims period.
- 📞 Report errors to Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
Conclusion
This special revision could either strengthen electoral fairness or deepen Assam’s political divides. With the 2024 elections looming, the updated rolls will play a pivotal role.
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