VOTER REGISTRATION BENGAL
Protests erupt across India demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over voter list manipulation
Protests have emerged across India as citizens demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators claim that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process threatens voter rights and favors the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics say this process requires complex documentation that may disenfranchise vulnerable communities and lead to significant voter list reductions. Opposition parties and activists are calling for more independent election oversight.
"Modified Form 6 not approved by us": CJI observes on modified form for enrolling new voters
The Supreme Court asserted that it has not approved any modified version of Form 6 for voter enrollment. During a hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of verifying who modified the form. Allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were also discussed, claiming he misrepresented court proceedings. The petition argued that the Election Commission's decisions should be made collectively, not unilaterally.
Election Commission-SIR controversy: Allegations and poll panel's responses
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi took several decisions on these matters at a meeting on September 26. The move followed reports that Sandhu and Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months to certain decisions and orders, including some they said had been issued without their knowledge.
EC announces home visits, help desks and extra time for voters facing notices for voter list exclusion
The Election Commission of India announced new measures to improve the voter registration process after recent issues. Extended deadlines for filing claims and objections have been set to facilitate greater inclusivity. Home visits by Booth Level Officers will assist individuals in completing necessary documentation. The commission emphasised support for marginalised groups, including those in night shelters and laborers.
SIR controversy: EC says agendas will be shared ahead of meetings, minutes to be issued
Gyanesh Kumar CEC Row news: The Election Commission announced its decision regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls on Saturday. All meetings will now have agendas circulated in advance, and minutes will be published post-meeting. Unanimous approval was given for the nationwide exercise, which has also been upheld by the Supreme Court. The process will simplify how voters address notices regarding discrepancies.
Only CJP can remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, says TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee on Saturday told a vernacular news channel that only the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) can remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar if it posed a serious challenge. He said CJP's focused approach could help it achieve results quickly. Banerjee spoke about efforts by opposition parties to protest against the CEC. The leader also criticised political parties over defections in West Bengal.
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RJD stages protest in Ranchi, seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
RJD workers staged a protest at Ranchi's Albert Ekka Chowk, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest arose from accusations of unfair electoral advantages given to BJP through manipulated electoral rolls. RJD leaders claimed that around 65 lakh names in Bihar and 27 lakh names in Bengal were removed from voter rolls.
INDIA bloc parties likely to meet on September 30 to discuss EC related concerns: Report
Parties from the India bloc plan to meet in Delhi on September 30 to address various issues. Rising tensions surrounding the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision have prompted protests across several states. Demonstrations have been reported in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh, among others. Congress workers are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged electoral roll manipulations.
"Vote theft is theft of democracy": Congress' Rakesh Sinha backs SC plea seeking SIT probe against CEC amid SIR row
Congress leader Rakesh Sinha has filed a plea in the Supreme Court against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This plea raises serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral process and claims crores of voters were deprived of their rights. The opposition has intensified its criticism of the Election Commission amid the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision exercise.
'Voices are rising from within EC': Pawan Khera says CEC 'safety lies in resigning' amid SIT row
Congress leader Pawan Khera has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amidst ongoing electoral controversies. A Supreme Court plea has been filed seeking an investigation into Kumar's alleged unilateral decision-making in the Election Commission. Opposition parties have expressed concerns over electoral transparency and have demanded accountability from the Election Commission. Protests have erupted nationwide, with Congress workers advocating for fair electoral practices and accountability.
'EC lost its credibility': Pinarayi Vijayan says CEC turning 'personal views into decisions', warns protests will intensify
"The Election Commission has lost its credibility. The Commission is being questioned in a manner never seen before. The information that has come out is not befitting a democracy. The Chief Election Commissioner is turning his personal views into decisions and adopting one-sided positions. Protests against this will intensify," Vijayan said.
"Resign and face action": Oppn escalates attack on CEC over EC dissent report; BJP calls it "false allegations"
A significant political clash is brewing between the BJP and various opposition factions concerning the Election Commission of India. Accusations of turmoil within the Commission are leading to rising calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition groups, notably Congress and Samajwadi Party, allege that the Commission is sabotaging democratic integrity.
Congress takes out rally in Kolkata seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's arrest; police stop it midway
Congress staged a significant rally in Kolkata, calling for the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, driven by worries surrounding the electoral process's fairness. Authorities stepped in to halt the procession to avoid traffic chaos, leading to protesters burning an effigy of the CEC, while vehemently demanding his resignation. The Election Commission defended itself, highlighting that disagreements among commissioners are a standard aspect of their functions.
Congress protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar spread across India; Gaurav Gogoi detained, tear gas fired in Manipur
Congress workers staged protests across India on Friday demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, a day after Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of electoral wrongdoing. Demonstrations were held in Jammu and Kashmir, Guwahati, Dehradun, Chandigarh and Lucknow, while Delhi saw security deployment ahead of Congress and Youth Congress marches.
Gyanesh Kumar’s journey to CEC post: From Article 370 & Ram Mandir trust to key Centre roles and CEC post; why his 19-month tenure is now under fresh scrutiny
Gyanesh Kumar SIR controversy: The tenure of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has come under increased scrutiny after an Indian Express investigation reported that fellow Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections at least 14 times over decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has said differences are normal and that its final decisions were unanimous. The report also revisits Kumar’s career, appointment and role in key government assignments.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra files police complaint against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleges voter list manipulation
Mahua Moitra, a Member of Parliament from Trinamool Congress, filed a complaint against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She accused him of violations regarding electoral processes and decision-making within the Election Commission. Moitra highlighted allegations related to tampering with voter registrations that excluded millions in West Bengal. The complaint follows reports of internal dissent among election commissioners about unilateral decisions taken by Kumar.
BJP's Sambit Patra slams Opposition amid Election Commission SIR dissent row; hails democracy
BJP MP Sambit Patra defended the Election Commission amid the SIR row, saying correspondence among the three Election Commissioners on 14 occasions showed that the poll panel had engaged in official deliberations.
Derek O'Brien calls for revival of motion seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien on Wednesday called for action on a Rajya Sabha motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, after a report said two Election Commissioners had objected to several poll panel decisions during the SIR exercise.
2 Murshidabad MPs meet Suvendu over loudspeaker removal from mosques, allege 'Muslims being targeted'
Two Murshidabad MPs met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding mosque loudspeaker removals. They expressed concern that Muslims are being targeted in the state. The MPs also requested intervention for pending cases at SIR tribunals. Genuine voters await tribunal decisions, impacting various essential services.
India's next election could be decided by Gen Zs in Hindi heartland
India's next election could hinge on Gen Z voters concentrated in the Hindi heartland. A TOI analysis based on UN population estimates, Census projections and USC research shows Bihar, UP and Jharkhand have the highest shares of young voters, reshaping future electoral strategies.
MHA provides 'Y+' category armed CISF security to West Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal
The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer with 'Y-plus' category armed security cover from the CISF. This decision, based on an intelligence threat perception report, comes as the crucial Special Intensive Revision drive, aimed at updating electoral rolls, enters a sensitive hearing phase.
Kolkata region records highest name deletions in Bengal SIR draft
In Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress is facing a surprising challenge as voter deletions reach staggering numbers in key strongholds. Constituencies like Jorasankho and Chowringhee are grappling with troubling statistics of voters marked absent, deceased, or even duplicated.
Bengal CEO to review low pace of enumeration form distribution
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal will hold a virtual meeting with Electoral Registration Officers. The review focuses on the low distribution rate of enumeration forms across the state. Around 89.67% of forms have been distributed so far. Several assembly constituencies have been identified with less than 75% distribution. Aadhaar authorities will provide data on dead voters.
2.43 lakh voter forms rejected in West Bengal: CEO
West Bengal faces scrutiny as over 2.43 lakh voter enrolment applications were rejected, primarily in bordering districts like North 24 Parganas and Murshidabad. The Election Commission is reviewing electoral preparedness after Opposition BJP raised concerns about bogus voters. Ahead of a crucial meeting, officials are analyzing voter data and booth rationalization.
West Bengal: Suvendu Adhikari raises questions on need for SIR
Suvendu Adhikari raised concerns about discrepancies between birth and voter registrations in West Bengal. He alleged widespread corruption within the Trinamool Congress, accusing the Chief Minister and other leaders of involvement. Adhikari claimed vote rigging occurred during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Spike in new voter registrations in Bengal border areas
West Bengal's bordering districts see a significant increase in new voter registrations. The rise is notable in North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, and other areas. The Election Commission plans to boost voter turnout in Kolkata. Polling booths will be set up in high-rise buildings across the state. This initiative aims to increase participation in upcoming elections.
Suvendu Adhikari flags 70,000 new voter applications, alleges plot to enrol illegal immigrants in West Bengal
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari urged the Election Commission to exclude domicile certificates issued after July 25 in West Bengal, alleging a sharp rise in voter registrations—over 70,000 Form-6 applications—aimed at enrolling illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants. He accused the state government of manipulating voter rolls ahead of a likely revision and warned of street protests from August 17.
TMC meets EC bench over duplicate voter id issue, say Aadhaar also being cloned
Trinamool Congress leaders have met the Election Commission regarding the issue of duplicate voter ID numbers and possible Aadhaar card cloning, raising concerns about fraudulent voter registration. They demanded greater transparency and a reliable verification system for electoral roll revisions to ensure the integrity of the election process.
TMC, BJP, BJD delegations meet EC over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls
Delegations from BJP, TMC, and BJD raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding discrepancies in voter rolls. BJP claimed over 13 lakh duplicate voters in West Bengal, TMC alleged cloned Aadhaar cards for fake registrations, and BJD urged for an independent audit and citizen monitoring of the election process.
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