INDIA Bloc Protests in Srikakulam Over Voter Name Deletions, Demands CEC’s Resignation

The INDIA bloc staged a protest in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district against the alleged deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls, with opposition leaders demanding accountability from the Election Commission of India and calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest was organised over concerns surrounding the ongoing revision of electoral rolls and allegations that eligible voters, including migrant workers, were being removed from voter lists. Opposition parties argued that such deletions could affect citizens’ right to vote and urged election authorities to ensure that no genuine voter was excluded from the electoral rolls.

Congress leaders and other INDIA bloc representatives participated in the demonstration and raised slogans against the Election Commission. They alleged that the revision process had resulted in the removal of names of voters who were otherwise eligible to exercise their franchise. The protesters particularly highlighted concerns over migrant workers, many of whom move between districts and states for employment.

Opposition leaders argued that temporary migration should not become a reason for removing eligible citizens from electoral rolls. They called for proper verification before any voter’s name is deleted. The INDIA bloc leaders also criticised the Election Commission’s handling of the electoral roll revision process and questioned the transparency of the exercise. They demanded that voters whose names had allegedly been removed be given an opportunity to verify their details and seek restoration of their names.

The protest comes amid a wider political dispute over the revision of electoral rolls in several parts of the country. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns about the deletion of names and demanded greater transparency in the process. The Election Commission, however, has maintained that electoral roll revisions are carried out under established procedures and that eligible voters have mechanisms available to raise objections and seek corrections.

In Srikakulam, the opposition leaders said the issue required urgent attention because the electoral roll forms the basis of citizens’ participation in elections. They urged election officials to examine complaints regarding deleted names and take corrective measures wherever eligible voters had been left out.

The protesters also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the Election Commission had failed to adequately address their concerns. The demand reflects the broader confrontation between the opposition and the poll panel over the electoral roll revision exercise. The INDIA bloc has said it will continue to raise the issue and press for the restoration of names of eligible voters.