As residents of Maheshtikri village in Godda await the outcome of their Form 7 applications challenging their exclusion from the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Jharkhand, a significant concern looms: “What if we are not recognized as Indian citizens?”
A recent investigation by The Indian Express, released on Wednesday, revealed that since the draft electoral roll was unveiled on August 5, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from at least four voting booths in Godda have raised concerns with the Block Development Officer of Basantrai. They reported instances of multiple Form 7 submissions by Booth Level Agents (BLAs) affiliated with the BJP, many of which were improperly formatted and predominantly targeted individuals from minority communities.
Both the BJP and the Chief Electoral Officer clarified to The Indian Express that the agents were entitled to submit these objections, and that each Form 7 application would undergo a thorough investigation as per Election Commission guidelines.
In Maheshtikri, where one BJP-affiliated BLA has lodged no fewer than 25 Form 7 applications, residents remain anxious about their future.
Abdul Mannan Khan, a 70-year-old villager, emphasized that his family has resided in Maheshtikri for generations and that his name was included in the 2003 electoral roll. “This is our home and we are Jharkhandi too. So how can our names be deleted?” he questioned.
The BLO, representing the Election Commission in the area, has reassured Khan that neither he nor his family would face deletion from the voter list. Nevertheless, the underlying fear persists, particularly regarding potential loss of access to state welfare programs.
Another villager, 50-year-old Mohammad Naushad, shared that his grandparents were also recorded in the 2003 electoral roll and that he grew up in Maheshtikri. He explained that he left only to seek work as a laborer but consistently returns to vote in Jharkhand. “What if our names are deleted and we do not receive government benefits? What if we are considered non-citizens?” he expressed.
Naushad’s father, 80-year-old Mohammad Shafiq, confirmed that he is a registered voter from Maheshtikri, as is his wife, Bibi Basilan. “I have been voting here since I turned 18… We have been here for so many years. We possess the khatian (land proof of being a Jharkhandi) and all the necessary documentation. Now, suddenly, we face this obstacle,” he lamented.
BDO Sriman Marandi acknowledged receiving complaints from four booths: Maheshtikri, Pachua Kita, Lochni, and Baghakol. He stated that a report would be compiled following ground verification, and noted that BLOs have been instructed not to process the submitted forms due to uncertainty regarding their origin. He commented that the BJP-appointed agents should have approached him directly rather than filing deletion requests.
K Ravi Kumar, the state’s chief electoral officer, informed The Indian Express that bulk deletion requests are permissible and added that BLAs should not have rejected the submissions.
The SIR exercise commenced in Jharkhand on June 30, resulting in the exclusion of 16.48 percent of voters, equating to approximately 4.3 million deletions. Claims and objections may still be filed until September 4.
Shubham Tigga, a Correspondent for The Indian Express based in Pune, focuses on the intersections of infrastructure, labor, and the contemporary economy. His reporting includes civil aviation, urban mobility, the gig economy, and workers’ unions, offering vital insights into how transit and commercial sectors influence the daily lives of citizens.
Before relocating to Pune, Tigga reported extensively from Chhattisgarh, emphasizing Indigenous (Adivasi) issues, environmental justice, and grassroots movements across mainland India. This background equips him with a unique perspective on the effects of large-scale infrastructure initiatives on local communities.
He is a graduate of the renowned Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), where he developed his investigative reporting and ethical journalism skills. This academic foundation, combined with his practical experience in Central India, enables him to navigate complex socio-economic contexts with precision and depth.
For further engagement, he can be reached on LinkedIn.
