Why Did Netaji’s Grand-Nephew Leave the Linkage Column Blank?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chandra Kumar Bose clarifies his reasons for leaving the linkage column blank.
- The Election Commission's process has systemic flaws.
- Voters, especially the elderly, face challenges and inconveniences.
- There is a call for improved efficiency in the voter registration process.
- Messages directed at key political figures highlight the importance of addressing these issues.
Kolkata, Jan 20 (NationPress) In the midst of a controversy surrounding the Election Commission of India (ECI) summons directed at the grand-nephew of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Chandra Kumar Bose has stepped forward to elucidate why the linkage section in his enumeration form was left unfilled. On Tuesday, he addressed the situation after political uproar erupted on Sunday regarding the matter. The Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office in West Bengal issued a statement asserting that the linkage column was intentionally left blank, categorizing him as an “unmapped” voter and summoning him for a hearing.
"This assertion is misleading. The enumeration form distinctly indicates that the linkage column is blank. Consequently, he was summoned for a hearing like all other similarly situated voters as outlined by the ECI's notification," stated the clarification from the CEO's office.
In a statement shared on his social media platform X on Tuesday morning, Chandra Kumar Bose explained the rationale behind the blank linkage column in his enumeration form.
"I neither made an error nor left the link for 2002 vacant without justification," began Bose in his statement.
He mentioned that the ECI's list from the 2002 SIR did not include his name at the time of completing the enumeration form, leading him to leave it blank.
"Later, post-submission of the 'Enumeration form', my name appeared in a different 2002 SIR list. I had requested an update to this information, but unfortunately, it was not feasible. This whole episode of confusion could have been prevented with a proper update of the 'Enumeration form'," Bose elaborated.
Additionally, he criticized the flawed system implemented hastily without adequate training for the staff, which is causing significant disruptions.
"While I have no issue with being called for the hearing, I am concerned about elderly voters standing in long queues and falling ill. A more efficient system could have mitigated such hardships for voters. I hope that the next SIR process is conducted more professionally. Jai Hind!" Bose concluded.
He also conveyed messages to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the ECI, among others.