Should Electoral Registration Officers be Disciplined for Accepting Form-6 Applications from Fake Voters?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Amid rising concerns over electoral integrity, Suvendu Adhikari calls for accountability against EROs accepting Form-6 applications from non-existent voters. This situation raises significant questions about the electoral process in West Bengal, highlighting potential corruption and the need for immediate corrective measures.
Key Takeaways
- Allegations against EROs for accepting fictitious voter applications.
- Calls for immediate investigations into the electoral registration process.
- Concerns about electoral integrity in West Bengal.
- High rise in Form-6 applications from bordering districts.
- Need for transparency and accountability in elections.
Kolkata, July 30 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, expressed his concerns this Wednesday morning regarding the actions of electoral registration officers (EROs) in the state, who are reportedly accepting Form-6 applications from non-existent voters without adequate verification.
Form 6 serves as an application for adding one's name to the electoral roll.
Referencing a memo from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Kumar Agarwal, which highlighted instances of EROs receiving a notable number of Form-6 applications from fake voters during sample audits, Adhikari stated, "The inclusion of fictitious voters into the electoral rolls and unauthorized interference by casual data entry personnel signifies the extent of corruption under the administration led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee."
Adhikari emphasized that the irregularities are two-fold: firstly, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) feeling pressured to manipulate records, and secondly, the EROs delegating voter list duties to unqualified staff.
He characterized this situation as an infringement on every citizen's right to engage in a fair election.
"I urge for an immediate investigation and suitable action against those accountable. The state administration has been tampering with the system. It's high time to rectify this situation," added the opposition leader.
He further questioned the involvement of contractual employees of the state government in managing various forms related to the electoral revision process.
"BLOs hurriedly collected documents, while EROs, who are established state employees, confessed to granting unauthorized access to subordinate contractual staff for handling Form-6 applications," Adhikari claimed.
Recently, Adhikari wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, urging him to address the unusually high volume of Form-6 applications submitted last week in West Bengal's border districts with Bangladesh.
In his letter, Adhikari pointed out that the number of Form-6 applications in these bordering districts has surged to approximately 70,000, compared to the typical average of 20,000 to 25,000.
The districts affected include Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, North Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, along with North and South 24 Parganas.
Point of View
The allegations raised by Suvendu Adhikari reflect broader concerns about electoral integrity in India. The involvement of public officials in questionable practices undermines the democratic process and calls for accountability across all levels of governance. It is crucial for electoral authorities to ensure transparency and uphold citizens' rights to a fair electoral process.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form-6?
Form-6 is an official application used to include a voter’s name in the electoral list, ensuring their eligibility to vote.
Who is Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari is the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Why are EROs being criticized?
Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are criticized for allegedly accepting applications from fictitious voters without proper verification, raising concerns about electoral fraud.
What action is being demanded?
Suvendu Adhikari is demanding immediate investigation and disciplinary action against EROs involved in these alleged irregularities.
What are the implications of these allegations?
These allegations, if proven true, could undermine trust in the electoral process and call into question the integrity of elections in West Bengal.
