Is the CEC Investigating the Surge in Form-6 Applications from Border Districts?
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Synopsis
West Bengal's Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari raises alarms over a dramatic rise in Form-6 applications from border districts, suggesting potential electoral manipulation. His plea to the Chief Election Commissioner emphasizes the need for vigilance to uphold democratic integrity amidst concerns of illegal immigration affecting voter lists.
Key Takeaways
- Sharp rise in Form-6 applications from border districts.
- Concerns over potential electoral manipulation.
- Call for investigation by the CEC.
- Need for integrity in the electoral process emphasized.
- Urgent action required to address illegal immigration issues.
Kolkata, July 28 (NationPress) The West Bengal Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, on Monday indicated that he has reached out to the Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) regarding a concerning surge in the number of Form-6 applications submitted last week from districts adjacent to Bangladesh.
Form-6 serves as a request for adding one’s name to the electoral roll.
In his correspondence, a copy of which has been obtained by IANS, the opposition leader noted that the count of Form-6 applications from these border districts in West Bengal soared to approximately 70,000 last week, a significant increase from the typical range of 20,000 to 25,000.
The districts that have been highlighted by Suvendu Adhikari include Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, North Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, and North & South 24 Parganas, all of which share borders with Bangladesh.
The opposition leader also pointed out the alarming nature of this sudden increase, in conjunction with reports about domicile certificates being issued by the West Bengal Administration, which raises severe concerns about the state government's alleged "unethical and illegal" actions aimed at legitimizing the presence of Rohingya Muslims and illegal Bangladeshi immigrants to manipulate the electoral rolls.
In his letter to the CEC, he urged that no domicile certificate issued by the state government on or after July 25 this year should be considered during the upcoming special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
“We must safeguard the integrity of our democracy and prevent it from being compromised for the sake of vote bank politics. District election officers must recognize their duty to ensure free and fair elections, prioritizing the country’s interests above all,” Adhikari stated in the letter.
The SIR, which has already concluded in Bihar, is anticipated to commence in West Bengal during the first week of August. The ruling Trinamool Congress has disputed this action, suggesting it is a covert attempt to promote the NRC in West Bengal.
Point of View
This situation calls for careful scrutiny. The rising number of Form-6 applications from border districts signifies a potential electoral anomaly that must be investigated thoroughly. Ensuring the integrity of electoral processes is paramount, and all parties must commit to transparency and fairness.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form-6?
Form-6 is an application used for the inclusion of one's name in the electoral list, vital for participating in elections.
Why is Suvendu Adhikari concerned?
He is concerned about the sudden increase in Form-6 applications from border districts, which he believes could indicate attempts to manipulate voter lists.
What action did Adhikari request from the CEC?
He requested that no domicile certificates issued after July 25 be accepted during the upcoming revision of electoral rolls.
What districts are involved?
The districts include Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, North Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, and North & South 24 Parganas.
What is the expected timeline for the special intensive revision?
The SIR is expected to begin in West Bengal in the first week of August.
