Why was the name of a protester removed from Bengal’s voter list?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a controversial move, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has removed Newton Das from the voter list after his involvement in the 2024 student movement in Bangladesh raised questions about his citizenship. This incident has ignited a political uproar, with significant implications for voter registration and dual nationality laws.
Key Takeaways
- Newton Das was removed from the voter list due to his participation in the Bangladesh student movement.
- His dual citizenship has raised significant legal questions.
- The move has sparked political controversy in West Bengal.
- The Election Commission of India directed the investigation leading to this decision.
- Political parties are using this incident to further their agendas.
Kolkata, June 13 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal has officially removed Newton Das from the voter list, as confirmed by officials on Friday. He was notably involved in the 2024 student movement in Bangladesh.
This decision followed a comprehensive investigation directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Newton Das, who holds dual citizenship of India and Bangladesh, was a registered voter in the Kakdwip Assembly constituency located in the South 24 Parganas district. He had a significant role in the student movement in Bangladesh last year.
Sources from the CEO's office revealed that the removal of Das’s name was based on two consecutive reports received from the Kakdwip sub-divisional officer.
After reviewing the first report, the office of the CEO requested a second assessment, and upon detailed evaluation, it was ultimately determined to eliminate Das’s name from the voters’ list.
The controversy arose when several whistleblowers showcased images of Newton Das participating in the student movement in Bangladesh on social media.
These whistleblowers also asserted that Das possesses dual citizenship. His cousin, Tapan Das, a registered voter in the Kakdwip Assembly constituency, confirmed to investigating officials and media that Newton holds voter cards in both India and Bangladesh.
Despite the allegations, Newton denied possessing Bangladeshi citizenship, although he acknowledged his participation in the student movement.
Newton stated that he has been a voter in the Kakdwip Assembly constituency since 2014 and voted in the Lok Sabha elections that same year.
He explained that his visit to Bangladesh in 2024 was to resolve issues related to his ancestral property, during which he became involved in the student movement.
Newton also mentioned that he lost his EPIC card in 2017, which was originally issued in 2014, and received a replacement in 2018, assisted by the Trinamool Congress MLA from Kakdwip, Manturam Pakhira.
The West Bengal unit of the BJP expressed outrage over this incident, asserting that it supports their long-standing claims regarding the Trinamool Congress and state administration allegedly registering Bangladeshi nationals on the voters list.
Point of View
The recent decision to remove Newton Das from the voter list highlights the complexities surrounding dual citizenship and voter registration in India. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the need for transparency in electoral processes. As the nation grapples with these issues, it is crucial to approach such controversies with impartiality and a commitment to upholding democratic values.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Newton Das removed from the voters list?
Newton Das was removed from the voters list due to his participation in the 2024 student movement in Bangladesh, raising concerns about his dual citizenship status.
What role did the Election Commission of India play in this decision?
The Election Commission of India directed the Chief Electoral Officer's office to investigate the matter thoroughly, which led to the removal of Das's name from the voters list.
What is the significance of dual citizenship in this context?
Dual citizenship complicates voter registration processes, as individuals with citizenship in multiple countries may face legal and electoral challenges.
How has the political landscape responded to this situation?
The West Bengal unit of the BJP has criticized the Trinamool Congress and the state administration, claiming this incident validates their long-standing allegations regarding the inclusion of Bangladeshi nationals in the state's voter list.
What are the broader implications of this incident?
This incident raises important questions about electoral integrity, citizenship rights, and the potential for political manipulation in voter registration processes.
