Does Suvendu Adhikari Really Believe There Are 1.25 Crore 'Fake Voters' in Bengal?
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Synopsis
On July 26, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that West Bengal's electoral rolls could reveal 1.25 crore fake voters, mainly illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims. His comments arise amidst the upcoming Special Intensive Revision by the Election Commission, sparking political controversy and debate about voter integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari raises concerns about electoral rolls in West Bengal.
- Claims a potential 1.25 crore fake voters, primarily illegal infiltrators.
- Reassures that genuine voters, including Hindus and persecuted Muslims, will not be affected.
- Political backlash from rivals, questioning the authenticity of the claims.
- Importance of the Election Commission in maintaining electoral integrity.
Kolkata, July 26 (NationPress) The leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, asserted on Saturday that the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal is expected to uncover at least 1.25 crore fraudulent voters in the state, primarily comprising illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators.
These statements from the BJP leader emerge amid speculation that the Election Commission (EC) is considering initiating SIR in West Bengal starting the first week of next month, following its completion in the neighboring state of Bihar.
While addressing the media on Saturday evening, Adhikari remarked that if over 50 lakh voters are at risk of being excluded from Bihar's voter list, then approximately 1 crore 25 lakh names of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims should be removed from West Bengal's list. He urged the Election Commission to take appropriate actions.
Simultaneously, Adhikari reassured that Hindus, Indian Muslims, and Hindus from Bangladesh facing religious persecution would not be at risk. “If you encounter any issues, remember the guarantee of safety from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and my assurance. We will mobilize against illegal voters in West Bengal after August 15. Our aim is to cleanse the voter list of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims,” stated the opposition leader.
The first phase of the special intensive revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls wrapped up yesterday, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicating that 92 percent of the 7.89 crore registered voters in Bihar would remain on the draft rolls to be issued on August 1.
According to the ECI, around 8 percent, or roughly 65 lakh names, may be eliminated from the draft rolls due to reasons such as being deceased, registered in multiple locations, permanently relocated, or untraceable.
Interestingly, the EC has commenced training for booth-level officers (BLOs) in West Bengal, amid rising concerns about the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.
Responding to Adhikari’s claims, Kunal Ghosh, the state general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, suggested that infiltration is also occurring in the BJP-governed Tripura. “The BJP is misleading the public with such statements, creating a climate of fear. If individuals from Bangladesh are illegally entering through West Bengal, what is the Border Security Force (BSF) doing? If two individuals are entering illegally in Bengal, then roughly 200 are illegally entering Tripura,” Ghosh commented.
Point of View
It is essential to present both sides of the issue. Suvendu Adhikari's claims about the existence of 1.25 crore fake voters have sparked significant political discourse in West Bengal. While the concerns regarding voter integrity are valid, it is crucial to ensure that allegations do not foster division or fear among communities. The Election Commission's role in conducting thorough revisions of electoral rolls should be supported, focusing on accuracy and fairness.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a process initiated by the Election Commission to update and verify the accuracy of voters' lists to ensure fair elections.
Why are fake voters a concern in elections?
Fake voters can undermine the integrity of elections, leading to unfair advantages for certain parties and eroding public trust in the electoral process.
What measures are taken to identify illegal voters?
The Election Commission employs various methods, including data analysis, public feedback, and on-ground verification, to identify and remove illegal voters from electoral rolls.
What is the significance of Adhikari's claims?
Adhikari's claims highlight ongoing concerns about voter integrity in West Bengal, potentially influencing public opinion and the political landscape ahead of elections.
How can citizens ensure their voter registration is accurate?
Citizens can check their voter registration status on the Election Commission's official website and report any discrepancies to the relevant authorities.
