CPM Levels Serious Charges of NRC-Style Voter Suppression in Jakhanian; Echoes Across National Media
In Jakhanian, Ghazipur, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has raised alarm, accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of acting under the influence of the BJP. They claim the Special Summary Revision (SSER) is being used as a tool to disenfranchise opposition voters, particularly targeting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, and extremely backward communities—by falsely branding them as foreigners. CPM leaders argue this tactic undermines democratic and constitutional integrity.
Wider Narrative and National Coverage
These allegations align with a growing tide of opposition voices across India. Rahul Gandhi has recently intensified his criticism, accusing the ECI of orchestrating “vote theft” to favor the BJP. In Maharashtra, he pointed out suspicious voter surges and outages in polling data, calling the assembly elections a “blueprint for rigging” The Economic TimesThe Diplomat. In response, the ECI issued a sharp rebuttal, labeling the remarks as “wild,” “irresponsible,” and “deplorable” The Week.
Political Leaders Weigh In
- RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav compared the ECI’s conduct to a “cancer,” alleging partiality and losing its function as a neutral electoral umpire YouTube.
- In Mumbai, Congress staged protests over alleged “faulty voter lists,” accusing the ECI of ignoring complaints and undermining the electoral process The Times of India.
- CPI(ML) has also condemned the ECI for withholding booth-level deletion data from Bihar’s draft voter rolls, insisting transparency is critical to prevent disenfranchisement The Times of India.
- In Chandigarh, the Pradesh Congress demanded a public explanation and a judicial inquiry into the ECI’s partiality during the 2024 general elections The Times of India.
- Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot raised concerns about the recent change in the EC appointment law that excluded the Chief Justice of India, suggesting it has compromised the Commission’s independence The Times of India.
- Nationally, CPI leaders like R. Mutharasan have criticized the EC as having become “subservient” to the ruling party, especially after large-scale voter deletions in Bihar The Times of India.
Summary Table: Allegations & Media Responses
| Allegation / Event | Source / Commentator | Media Reference |
|---|---|---|
| NRC-style disenfranchisement in Ghazipur | CPM in Jakhanian | This report |
| “Vote theft” & irregular voter roll changes | Rahul Gandhi | Economic Times / Indian Express |
| ECI likened to “cancer” | Tejashwi Yadav | India Today YouTube |
| Voter-list protests in Mumbai | Congress workers | Times of India |
| NGO criticism for no booth-level data | CPI(ML) / Voter Roll Errors | Times of India |
| Calls for EC inquiry in Chandigarh | Chandigarh Congress | Times of India |
| EC appointment controversy | Ashok Gehlot | Times of India |
| EC seen as “subservient” | CPI State Secretary, Tamil Nadu | Times of India |
| ECI’s rebuttal to Rahul Gandhi | ECI official statement | The Week |
In Jakhaniya, Ghazipur, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has made serious allegations against the Election Commission. The party claims that the Election Commission, at the behest of the BJP, is trying to disenfranchise opposition voters under the guise of intensive revision (SAER). According to the CPI(M), there is an attempt to implement the NRC by declaring Scheduled Castes, tribals, minorities, and extremely backward communities as foreigners. The party believes this does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission and is against the Constitution and democracy.
CPI(M) leaders alleged that across the country—especially in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Chandigarh—the Election Commission is working in favor of the BJP. They said that in Chandigarh, votes were openly stolen. The party also alleged that by changing the law in Parliament, the ruling party has increased its influence over the Election Commission. According to them, in several villages, between 50 to 80 votes have been added in individual households. CPI(M) claims that in just a few months, millions of fake voters have been created, with the same person’s name registered in multiple states and districts.
