Is Kerala Minister's Brother-in-Law Ignored in Voter List?
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Synopsis
As Kerala approaches its local body elections, K. Mohandas, brother-in-law to a key minister, faces voter exclusion. His story reveals significant electoral roll issues, raising alarms about democratic integrity and voter rights. Discover how one individual's plight highlights systemic flaws as the polls draw near.
Key Takeaways
- Mohandas's name omission highlights electoral roll issues.
- Voting should be viewed as a fundamental right, not a privilege.
- Accurate voter lists are crucial for democracy.
- Voter awareness is key to preventing disenfranchisement.
- Legal action may be necessary for some candidates to secure their voting rights.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 22 (NationPress) As Kerala gears up for the upcoming two-phase local body elections on December 9 and 14, K. Mohandas, who is the brother-in-law of State Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar and a retired IAS officer, has raised alarms over the exclusion of his name from the electoral roll.
In a post on his social media account, he stated, "I was once a voter in Kottarakkara and subsequently relocated to Thiruvananthapuram, where I have now established my permanent residence. My wife, a long-time resident of Kottarakkara, remains on the voter list, yet my name has been omitted from both areas ahead of the civic elections."
He revealed that there has been no progress regarding his online application for inclusion in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation electoral roll, resulting in his current disenfranchisement. Mohandas, who previously served as the Shipping Secretary, reflected on his past experiences, noting that he realized the significance of a single vote during the last local body election in Kottarakkara when his chosen candidate lost by just one vote.
"If I hadn’t voted, that margin would have increased from one to two," he remarked.
He expressed his disappointment that the electoral process, instead of recognizing voting as a fundamental right, seems to operate as a "discretionary privilege" granted by officials managing the voter lists.
"Voting is not a privilege but a right that should not depend on the generosity of officials responsible for the rolls," he emphasized.
Without criticizing the Chief Election Commissioner or political figures, he pointed to the need for local officials to ensure accuracy and for voters to be vigilant.
He cited incidents where names were allegedly removed, including that of a young woman named Vaishna, to highlight how errors in voter rolls can hinder democratic participation.
While his wife will cast her vote in Kottarakkara on December 9, Mohandas describes his own voting rights as a "mythical concept, absent in reality."
As a form of symbolic civic engagement, he plans to "vote" in the Muttada ward of Thiruvananthapuram for Vaishna, advocating for those who have been left off the voter list due to bureaucratic errors.
The 24-year-old Congress candidate, Vaishna, had to appeal to the Kerala High Court, which led to her inclusion in the voter list, allowing her to run for election.
This situation has ignited discussions regarding the integrity of electoral rolls and the need for heightened voter awareness as revision activities ramp up across Kerala in anticipation of the elections.
Point of View
This situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining accurate electoral rolls to uphold democratic processes. Voter disenfranchisement, as highlighted by Mohandas, serves as a reminder of the need for accountability among electoral officials. It is essential that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in elections, reinforcing the principles of democracy.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was K. Mohandas's name omitted from the voter list?
K. Mohandas claims his name was omitted due to a lack of updates on his online application for inclusion in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation electoral roll.
What did Mohandas say about the importance of voting?
He emphasized that voting is not a privilege but a fundamental right that should not depend on the discretion of officials managing the voter lists.
Who is Vaishna, and why is she relevant to this story?
Vaishna is a 24-year-old Congress candidate whose name was initially struck off the voter list. She had to approach the Kerala High Court to secure her inclusion, highlighting issues with the electoral process.
