Pune: No Defect In Electoral Roll, Immediate Correction Of Technical Errors – District Collector Dr Diwase
Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 30th March 2024: Amidst the district election administration’s concerted efforts to streamline the voter list under the electoral roll special revision programme, Pune District Collector and District Election Officer Dr Suhas Diwase clarified that there are no inherent defects in the electoral roll. However, steps are underway to rectify technical errors identified in certain areas.
He further urged citizens to directly engage with the administration regarding any concerns about the voter list, cautioning against spreading misinformation that could lead to confusion.
Following complaints regarding the presence of some names in Gujarati within the Bhor Assembly Constituency, several media outlets reported instances of ‘confusion in the voter list’ and alleged instances of ‘numerous fake names.’ These reports stemmed from a complaint lodged by Santosh Mohol from Mhalunge. Mohol highlighted that several voters’ names in Mhalunge electoral roll numbers 104 to 109 were in Gujarati, and a temple’s name was listed as a voter’s name, raising concerns of potential voter fraud. The administration promptly acknowledged Mohol’s letter on March 27 and apprised him of the measures taken.
Individuals listed in one electoral roll area can utilize Form No. 8 (Migration/Change of Address) to relocate to another area as per Election Commission guidelines. With significant migration observed from various parts of the state and other states to areas like Hinjawadi, Sus, Mhalunge, Bavdhan Budruk, Maan, and Marunji for employment and business opportunities, residents of these areas often submit applications for migration.
In one instance, three voters originally from Gujarat but now residing in the aforementioned areas submitted Form No. 8 during the Short Revision Program of the Electoral Roll. Upon verification of their residence documents, their applications were approved, and their names were consequently converted into the local language as per computerized system protocols.
Addressing a specific case mentioned in the report regarding a female voter, her name was initially listed under the local temple’s name due to an error in the application form, which indicated the temple’s vicinity as her residential address. Subsequent verification revealed that she had migrated, prompting the filing of Form No. 7 for the removal of her name from the list. The district election administration has segregated voters who are absent, migrants, or deceased into a separate SD (Absent/Migrant/Dead) list, per Election Commission directives.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to conducting fair and transparent elections, Collector Dr Diwase urged citizens to refrain from giving credence to rumours and to cooperate with the administration to ensure a clean and error-free voter list.
