Maharashtra Sees 19.6 Lakh Voter Applications Post Roll Revision
Following the removal of over 2 crore names from the draft electoral roll, Maharashtra has received nearly 20 lakh applications for voter registration and corrections.
Over 2.06 crore names were excluded from Maharashtra's draft electoral roll.
19.6 lakh applications were submitted for voter registration and corrections by the October 26 deadline.
Final electoral rolls are set to be published on November 16.
Maharashtra has witnessed a significant surge in voter applications, with 19.6 lakh forms submitted for registration, corrections, and objections between August 31 and October 26. This influx follows the recent exclusion of over 2.06 crore electors from the draft electoral roll, which has raised concerns among the electorate regarding their voting rights.
The draft electoral roll, published on August 31 after a Special Intensive Revision, revealed that 21.14% of the previous voter base was omitted. The Election Commission of India has allowed voters to file claims and objections, extending the submission deadline to October 26. This move aims to ensure that eligible voters can participate in the upcoming elections.
According to the Election Commission, a total of 19,60,258 applications were received across Maharashtra's 36 districts. These included 12,70,898 Form 6 applications for new voter registrations, 6,21,277 Form 8 applications for address changes, and 68,083 Form 7 requests to object to existing entries. The highest number of applications came from Mumbai Suburban, with 1,49,850 forms submitted, followed closely by Pune and Thane.
The impact of the draft roll revision is significant, as Maharashtra had 9,78,54,049 electors before the revision, with the draft now reflecting only 7,71,65,562 electors. Many of the excluded names were attributed to untraceable individuals, deceased voters, or those who had relocated. The authorities are under pressure to process these applications promptly, with a deadline set for November 10 to finalize the electoral rolls.
Looking ahead, the final electoral rolls will be published on November 16, and the Election Commission is expected to ensure that all valid applications are addressed by this date. This situation highlights the importance of voter registration and the need for accurate electoral rolls to facilitate a fair electoral process in Maharashtra.
