Kolkata voters are left in limbo as only two polling booths have released the Kolkata logical discrepancy list after the Election Commission’s deadline, sparking frustration and confusion across the city.
Background/Context
The Election Commission of India (EC) set a strict deadline for the publication of the logical discrepancy and unmapped lists, which identify voters whose details in the electoral roll do not match the information on record. These lists are crucial for voters to verify their status before the upcoming elections. In Kolkata, the deadline passed on Sunday, yet only the ward offices in Alipore (Ward 74) and Deshbandhu School in North Kolkata displayed the lists. The rest of the city’s 80,000-plus Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have yet to make the documents publicly available, leaving thousands of citizens uncertain about their eligibility and facing potential legal challenges.
“Everything will be available in time,” said Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal to reporters. “The downloading is being done. Some have already posted the lists; the rest will be done soon.” However, the statement has not quelled the anxiety among voters who rely on these lists to avoid being called for hearings on discrepancies that may be clerical errors.
Key Developments
Only two booths have posted the Kolkata logical discrepancy list:
- Alipore Ward 74 – The list was displayed at the ward office, attracting a crowd of voters eager to check their names.
- Deshbandhu School, North Kolkata – The list was posted at the school’s polling station, but the turnout was modest.
In Alipore, a 53‑year‑old woman, Zaiada Khatoon, visited the office to verify her name after her husband, Naushad Ali, died of a heart attack last month. The list showed her EPIC number but omitted her husband’s name, raising concerns about potential hearings for a discrepancy that was not her fault. “I was there when she and her husband filled the form in November. All details are also there in the 2002 list. Then how does a mistake happen? It’s definitely a glitch,” said BLA Sanjay Chakraborty of part 83.
Another voter, Abhijit Das from part 113, found his name on the list with a misspelling of his father’s name (“Sib” instead of “Shib”). He expressed frustration: “Now, for a missing ‘h’, I have to run for a hearing. How is it fair?”
Kasrin Begum, a 42‑year‑old mother of four, and her husband, Md Raju, were called for a SIR hearing on Wednesday at 1 pm. The EC list incorrectly listed her as having six siblings, while she has five. Her husband’s name, present in the 2002 SIR roll, was called for an age discrepancy.
Many BLOs across the city reported being kept in the dark about the list’s release. Arup Mondal, a BLO in Tollygunge, said, “Electors in my part are calling me to know when the list will be displayed. I have no correspondence with EC officials about the list.” A BLO from Bhowanipore echoed the sentiment, noting that voters were asking about the list but he had no answer.
Dinesh Kumar Chandra, a voter unaware of the list’s existence at the north Kolkata hearing centre, described the situation as harassment: “My father has a space between Kamala and Kanta that was missing in the SIR roll. I was called to clarify this discrepancy. But who made the mistake?”
Impact Analysis
The delayed release of the Kolkata logical discrepancy list has several implications for voters, election officials, and the broader democratic process:
- Voter uncertainty – Without the list, many citizens cannot confirm their status, risking disqualification or being called for hearings on errors that may be administrative.
- Administrative burden – BLOs and election officials face increased pressure to resolve discrepancies, potentially diverting resources from other electoral tasks.
- Legal challenges – Voters who are called for hearings may face legal proceedings, which can be time‑consuming and costly.
- Public trust – The perception of inefficiency or lack of transparency can erode confidence in the electoral process.
For students and young voters, the situation underscores the importance of regularly checking their electoral roll status and staying informed about any updates from the Election Commission.
Expert Insights/Tips
Election experts advise voters to take the following steps to mitigate the impact of the delayed list:
- Verify EPIC numbers – Cross‑check your EPIC number with the latest online voter list to ensure consistency.
- Contact local BLOs – Reach out to your ward office or polling station to inquire about the status of the logical discrepancy list.
- Keep documentation – Maintain copies of any SIR forms, affidavits, or correspondence related to your voter registration.
- Seek legal counsel – If called for a hearing, consult a lawyer experienced in electoral law to understand your rights and options.
- Use official channels – Report any discrepancies directly to the Election Commission through their official website or helpline.
According to the Election Commission, the lists are being downloaded by a large number of BLOs, and the remaining booths are expected to post them soon. However, voters are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in verifying their status.
Looking Ahead
The Election Commission has indicated that the remaining booths will publish the Kolkata logical discrepancy list shortly. In the meantime, the EC is working to streamline the download process for BLOs and to provide clearer communication regarding timelines. The upcoming elections will test the effectiveness of these measures, as voters who are called for hearings will need to resolve discrepancies before casting their ballots.
Election officials are also reviewing the procedures that led to the discrepancies, with a focus on improving data accuracy and reducing clerical errors. The EC has pledged to implement additional checks and balances in the voter registration process to prevent similar issues in future elections.
For voters, the key takeaway is to stay informed, verify their details promptly, and seek assistance if they encounter any inconsistencies. The integrity of the electoral process depends on the collective effort of voters, officials, and the Election Commission to address and resolve discrepancies efficiently.
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