Chief Election Commissioner Dismisses Allegations of Manipulation
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday asserted that the recently completed Special Revision of electoral rolls in Assam was conducted fairly and transparently. Addressing a press conference at the end of the Election Commission’s two-day review visit, he said the exercise aimed to ensure that every eligible citizen was enrolled while preventing ineligible entries.
He dismissed allegations of manipulation of the voters’ list, stating that the revision was designed keeping Assam’s unique circumstances in mind, particularly the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said Assam’s Special Revision of electoral rolls was conducted to include all eligible voters and exclude ineligible names. Of around 2.5 crore voters, only about 500 appeals have been filed, which the Commission said reflects the accuracy of the revision process.
Why Assam’s Revision Was Different
Kumar noted that the Special Revision in Assam differed from the Special Intensive Revision carried out in 12 other states. He said the process in Assam took into account the state’s specific demographic and administrative considerations, including NRC updates.
“The objective was simple, no eligible voter should be left out and no ineligible voter should be included,” Kumar said.
The Commission emphasised that the revision was structured to balance inclusion and scrutiny without compromising legal standards.
Key Figures from the Revision
According to the Election Commission:
- Total voters in Assam: Approximately 2.5 crore
- Names deleted from rolls: 2.43 lakh
- Appeals received: Around 500
- Appeals filed against deletions: Just over 500
Kumar stated that the relatively low number of appeals reflects the diligence of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) involved in the exercise.
What Voters in Guwahati Need to Know
For voters in Guwahati and across Assam, the Commission clarified that individuals whose names are missing can apply for inclusion through Form 6.
If an applicant remains dissatisfied after submission, they may file an appeal before the District Magistrate.
The Commission reiterated that mechanisms remain open for correction, inclusion, or exclusion requests under existing electoral procedures.
Political and Administrative Context
Electoral roll revisions in Assam often attract attention due to the state’s history of migration-related debates and NRC updates.
The Commission’s statement comes amid allegations from certain quarters regarding alleged irregularities in the revision process. However, Kumar maintained that the small number of formal appeals indicates procedural accuracy.
No immediate changes to the revised electoral rolls were announced during the press conference.
What Happens Next?
The updated voter rolls will remain subject to the standard claims and objections process. Authorities are expected to continue addressing pending applications and appeals.
For Guwahati residents, ensuring accurate voter registration ahead of upcoming electoral exercises remains crucial.
Further updates may follow if additional appeals or legal challenges are filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many names were deleted from Assam’s electoral rolls?
The Election Commission stated that 2.43 lakh names were deleted during the Special Revision process.
What should a voter do if their name is missing?
An eligible voter can apply for inclusion using Form 6. If dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal before the District Magistrate.
