Delhi’s electoral roll review left about 4.2 million previously listed names off its Aug. 31 draft, Reuters reported, while some excluded residents described lost wages and repeated hearings as they seek reinstatement.
The figure comes from a draft roll that remains subject to review.
Across India, about 130 million names have been removed from electoral rolls during the review, Reuters reported. The Election Commission of India says the exercise is intended to remove entries for people who have died, moved or registered more than once. People excluded in error can submit documents and pursue appeals, the commission says.
Kamta Prasad, 53, is a Delhi tailor whose entry was classified as deceased, Reuters reported. He said repeated trips to government offices to correct the record have cost him work. Prasad earns 250 rupees a day to support his family of four.
For private school teacher Kamal Lal, 38, contesting his removal has involved several applications and hearings, Reuters reported. Lal said he learned in September that officials had classified him as having moved, although he still lives in the same Delhi settlement.
Mamta, 39, who does not use a surname, told Reuters she fears losing access to subsidized rations and other welfare programs if her family’s names are not restored. She said election officials had suggested registering again as new voters, which her husband opposed because he had voted in recent elections.
Opposition parties and youth groups allege that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar manipulated the review to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. The commission and the party deny the allegation, Reuters reported.
After protests, the Election Commission ordered another check of voter records in Delhi and other states, Reuters reported. Prasad said officials assured him that his name would be restored.
