MASUM flags arbitrary voter deletions in Swarupnagar, appeals to Election Commission

By A Representative 

The rights group Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) has written to the Election Commission of India alleging grave constitutional violations in Gobindapur village under Swarupnagar Assembly Constituency, North 24 Parganas district, where names of bona fide Indian citizens have been arbitrarily deleted from the electoral roll. 

The rights group claims that the deletions disproportionately affect marginalized citizens, particularly women and members of the Muslim community, and were carried out without adherence to due process.

The representation, signed by MASUM Secretary Kirity Roy, cites the case of Ms. Muslima Khatun Mondal, whose name was removed from the roll despite valid documentation, lineage records, and an heirship certificate issued by the Gram Panchayat. 

Officials allegedly relied on a clerical error in her father’s surname to justify deletion, ignoring consistent records across electoral rolls and official documents. Her name was struck off under adjudication dated March 23, 2026, without notice or hearing, despite her representation to the District Magistrate, Barasat.

Another case highlighted is that of Mr. Madhu Mondal, a migrant worker whose name was deleted on February 28, 2026, despite his physical appearance before the hearing and submission of identity records including Aadhaar, ration card, and land documents. 

He informed the Electoral Registration Officer that financial constraints prevented him from attending a subsequent hearing, and requested his brother be allowed to represent him. MASUM alleges he was denied a fair opportunity to be heard, and his name was removed without a reasoned order.

The group notes that in Part 54 of Swarupnagar constituency, 43 voters have been deleted since February, all belonging to the marginalized Muslim community. 

MASUM describes the process as “table work” without physical verification, arguing that minor clerical errors cannot justify disenfranchisement. The representation asserts that such actions violate principles of natural justice, statutory safeguards under electoral laws, and constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 326.

MASUM has sought immediate restoration of the names of Muslima Khatun Mondal and Madhu Mondal, a time-bound inquiry into deletions in the area, disposal of pending representations with reasoned orders, guidelines to prevent exclusion of genuine voters on technical grounds, and suspension of further deletions until transparency is ensured. 

“The right to vote is a foundational constitutional right underpinning democratic governance. Arbitrary disenfranchisement of marginalized citizens erodes public confidence in the electoral process,” the letter states, urging the Commission’s urgent intervention.