Is the Name of a Deceased Father Still on Bengal's Voter List?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the BJP claims that the name of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu's late father remains on the voter list, raising questions about electoral integrity. Trinamool Congress blames the Election Commission for this oversight. Discover the implications of these claims and the ongoing political discourse surrounding voter list management in Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Presence of deceased names raises integrity concerns.
- Election Commission's role in voter list accuracy is crucial.
- BJP calls for immediate electoral roll revision.
- Trinamool Congress deflects blame to the Election Commission.
- Political discourse highlights the need for transparency.
Kolkata, Aug 19 (NationPress) The BJP has raised concerns regarding the presence of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu's late father, a renowned playwright, on the electoral list, despite his passing decades ago.
BJP leader Piyush Kanoria asserted that the Minister's father, Bishnu Basu, who died in 1999, still appears on the West Bengal voters' list for the year 2024-25.
"While the state government claims to be preparing a transparent voter list, the presence of a deceased citizen's name, 25 years after their death, reveals serious lapses in the electoral roll preparation. This inclusion creates avenues for the Trinamool Congress to potentially engage in election rigging," Kanoria stated.
He emphasized the necessity for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal to eliminate such names of the deceased.
In response, Kunal Ghosh, the Trinamool's state general secretary and spokesperson, attributed the issue to the Election Commission's failure to remove the name.
"The onus of deleting the name lies with the Election Commission. No one has voted in the name of Bratya Basu's father, who passed away long ago. The Commission has not carried out the necessary deletions, and this responsibility falls on them," Ghosh explained.
He further added, "Bratya Basu’s father was a significant figure in the Dum Dum area. If anyone attempted to vote in his name, opposition agents would have informed them of his passing."
It is worth noting that the Trinamool Congress has been against the implementation of SIR in West Bengal.
Political analysts indicate that the retention of deceased individuals' names in electoral lists is not an uncommon issue.
Point of View
It is essential to emphasize the importance of maintaining accurate electoral lists. The allegations brought forth by the BJP regarding the deceased name on the voter list highlight significant gaps in the electoral process, necessitating immediate attention from the Election Commission to uphold the integrity of democratic procedures. Ensuring transparency and accuracy in the voters' list is crucial for fostering public trust in the electoral system.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the BJP claim that a deceased person's name is on the voter list?
The BJP alleges that the name of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu's late father remains on the voter list, indicating negligence in electoral roll management.
What is the Trinamool Congress's response to these claims?
The Trinamool Congress has blamed the Election Commission for not removing the deceased's name from the voter list, stating that the responsibility lies with them.
What is a Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
A Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is a process aimed at updating and correcting the voters' list by removing the names of deceased individuals and ensuring accuracy.
What do political observers say about the issue of deceased names in the voter list?
Political observers note that the presence of deceased individuals' names in electoral rolls is not a new problem and has occurred in various regions.
