Five opposition parties in Assam on January 11 approached the police in Guwahati, alleging attempts to influence voter roll revisions ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The complaint was formally lodged at Dispur Police Station, placing the issue directly within the state’s administrative capital.
The Congress, Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and Assam Jatiya Parishad accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership of orchestrating voter name deletions across multiple Assembly constituencies in Assam.
Five opposition parties in Assam filed a police complaint at Dispur Police Station in Guwahati, alleging that BJP leaders attempted to influence voter roll deletions in at least 60 Assembly constituencies. The Opposition has sought preservation of digital evidence and legal action to ensure a fair electoral roll revision process.
Allegations Linked to Guwahati-Based Meeting
According to the complaint, Assam BJP president and Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia allegedly issued instructions during a virtual meeting held on January 4. The Opposition claimed party MLAs were asked to ensure the deletion of voters’ names in a minimum of 60 constituencies.
The complaint further named Health Minister Ashok Singhal, alleging he was assigned supervisory responsibility over the process. Opposition leaders demanded that digital records of the meeting be seized and preserved as evidence.
Demand for Action from Authorities in Dispur
Leaders from the opposition parties stated that the alleged move targeted voters perceived to be supporters of non-BJP parties. They urged law enforcement authorities in Guwahati to initiate legal proceedings and ensure transparency in the ongoing special voter list revision.
Separately, Raijor Dal submitted a representation to the Election Commission of India, seeking:
- An independent investigation into the allegations
- Suspension of the ongoing special voter list revision
- A state-wide audit of Form 7 applications related to voter deletions
BJP Responds, Rejects Allegations
The BJP strongly denied the accusations, describing them as politically motivated. Party spokesperson Jayanta Kumar Goswami stated that the allegations were linked to voter deletions involving people evicted from Uriamghat in Golaghat district.
He accused opposition parties of misleading the public and engaging in appeasement politics, asserting that voter roll revisions were being carried out as per established legal procedures.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As the seat of the state government, Guwahati plays a central role in Assam’s electoral administration. Complaints filed in Dispur directly involve state-level authorities responsible for law enforcement and coordination with the Election Commission.
With Assembly elections approaching, developments related to voter roll revisions are likely to remain under close scrutiny in Guwahati, where further responses from the police and election authorities are expected.
What Happens Next
Police officials in Guwahati are expected to examine the complaint and determine the next course of action. Meanwhile, the Election Commission’s response to the Opposition’s petition will be crucial in shaping the future of the ongoing voter list revision process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where was the voter roll complaint filed in Assam?
The complaint was filed at Dispur Police Station in Guwahati by five opposition parties.
Q2. What action has the Opposition demanded?
They have sought preservation of digital evidence, legal action against those responsible, and an independent audit of voter deletion applications.