Dehradun, Aug 21 (PTI): Amidst the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Uttarakhand, the state unit of Congress has raised serious concerns regarding the large number of objections filed via Form-7 to remove voters' names.

The party alleges that applications for name deletions have been submitted in significant numbers, particularly in assembly constituencies where the Congress holds influence. Complaining to the Election Commission about this matter, the Congress has demanded an inquiry into the matter.

Congress leader Amrinder Bisht alleged that, in some instances, a single individual has filed applications seeking the removal of hundreds of voters' names.

He claimed that attempts to contact some of these objectors revealed they were not present at the addresses provided, while information surfaced indicating that some individuals were residing outside Uttarakhand.

The Congress has stated that if the EC does not address its grievances, the party may take to the streets and approach court in the first week of September.

Addressing this issue, a Congress delegation led by former MLA Manoj Rawat met Chief Electoral Officer V V R C Purushottam on Friday to register their objections.

Rawat stated that while the Congress initially had faith in the SIR process, the party's concerns grew after a large number of objections seeking name deletions under Form-7 came to light.

He claimed, "Our data analysis revealed that a single individual has filed objections against the names of approximately 6,400 people. There are about 1,200 individuals who have submitted more than 10 objections each. An objection has even been filed against the name of a sitting Congress MLA." Additionally, the delegation raised the issue of approximately 1.02 lakh voters in Udham Singh Nagar district being flagged as 'suspicious' under the categories of 'Demographically Similar Entries' (DSE) or 'Photo Similar Entries' (PSE). The party alleged that political parties were not provided with adequate information regarding these voters, raising concerns that their names might be deleted.

The Congress insisted that all fake objections be rejected before the final publication of the electoral roll on September 15 and that any valid voter whose name was wrongly removed be immediately reinstated.

Responding to the Congress's allegations, senior BJP MLA and spokesperson Vinod Chamoli stated that complaints regarding the SIR process are not limited to the Congress; the BJP, too, has raised several objections.

Chamoli stated, “If an objection is raised against a voter's name, it does not necessarily mean they are a Congress voter. Objections have also been raised against names associated with the BJP. Objections were even raised against my name and those of my family members.” Accusing the Congress of turning this issue into a political narrative, he remarked that the party is raising the matter vociferously because it is in the opposition, whereas the BJP is presenting its grievances to the concerned officials.

Regarding the rules for Form-7, Chamoli explained that a BLA-2 (Booth Level Agent-2) can file objections against a maximum of 50 voters, while an ordinary voter can raise objections against five names. Objections exceeding the prescribed limit should not be accepted under the rules.

He noted that the mere filing of an objection against a voter's name does not result in its removal from the electoral roll; the concerned individual is given an opportunity to present their case and submit necessary documents.

Addressing the issue of objectors not being found at the addresses they provided, Chamoli stated that if an objector's identity cannot be verified, such an objection should not be accepted. He added that any shortcomings in the process should be rectified.

The CEO, however, assured the Congress delegation that the SIR process is being conducted strictly in accordance with the rules. He stated that to ensure transparency, nine senior administrative officers have been additionally deployed as observers in districts where a large number of claims and objections were received.

Purushottam mentioned that the Commissioners of the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions have also been assigned the role of observers for the electoral rolls. He added that instructions have been issued to all districts to hold regular meetings with political parties.

Earlier, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Kumar Jogdande informed that a Congress delegation met the chief electoral officer to seek information regarding the notices being issued during the special summary revision (SSR) and the process for their disposal.

He mentioned that the election body has apprised them of the relevant rules and procedures.

Jogdande clarified that if an individual submits applications to remove the names of more than five voters, it is the responsibility of the electoral registration officer (ERO) concerned to scrutinise such cases. PTI DHM DPT AMJ AMJ

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)