Election Commission Orders Voter List Update in Kaliganj Constituency

Addressing Concerns of Fake Voters

Exceptional Step Before Upcoming Bypoll

The Election Commission (EC) has acknowledged the issue of fake voters in the Kaliganj assembly constituency in Nadia, West Bengal. As an extraordinary measure, the EC has requested a compulsory update of the voters’ list for this constituency, where a bypoll is scheduled.

Bypoll Scheduled After MLA’s Passing

The bypoll in Kaliganj was required following the death of Trinamool MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed in February. With allegations of fake voters and voters with duplicate EPIC numbers emerging, the EC wants a dedicated roll update for Kaliganj.

Preliminary and Final Voters’ List Release Dates

• Preliminary list will be published on April 8
• Final list will be available by May 5

Unprecedented Decision in Bengal

This decision, for one specific assembly constituency before a bypoll, is unprecedented in Bengal, an official stated. The move was primarily due to complaints that in Nadia, many voters over 60 were appearing as first-time voters, which also surprised EC officials.

Allegations of Bangladeshi Citizens Entering India

Kaliganj is close to the Bangladesh border. There were allegations that after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, a significant number of Bangladeshi citizens entered India through Nadia. Congress emphasized this point in its complaint to EC during an all-party meeting at the CEO’s office on Friday.

Connected to Nationwide Worries About Fake Voters

Though EC officials did not explicitly say this was an unparalleled move, they mentioned that this was connected to nationwide concerns about fake voters and duplicate EPIC cards.

CM Mamata Banerjee Discusses Duplicate EPICs

CM Mamata Banerjee discussed the issue of duplicate EPICs among Bengal voters and pointed out that fake voters were entering the rolls in Bengal. Bengal power and youth affairs minister Aroop Biswas also filed a complaint on Friday with CEO Dibyendu Das about voters from outside the state having their names on Bengal’s voters’ list.

EC Plans to Conduct Bypolls in Eight Assembly Seats

An EC official said the commission aimed to conduct bypolls in eight assembly seats across the country, including Kaliganj.

Political Parties Request Information for New Voters

During Friday’s meeting, political parties wanted new voters — who were registered in every quarter before their names were added to the final voters’ list — to be informed about the inclusion. This would enable parties to raise objections if necessary.

Updated List of Booth-Level Agents to be Provided

The parties would also provide an updated list of booth-level agents so they can be contacted in case of complications.