AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): A revision of electoral rolls in India has triggered controversy in the Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh, where reports indicate that hundreds of Muslim voters have been removed from the lists, prompting concerns about the possible targeted disenfranchisement of minorities.
Local residents say many names were deleted without prior notice or adequate verification. Some of those affected are described as multi-generational residents of the area.
Community members estimate that approximately 500 names may have been removed in total. One resident of Gude Panchayat village said, “Our families have lived here for generations, yet suddenly our names have been struck off. We feel we are being targeted and demand a comprehensive investigation.”
A group of affected voters submitted a petition to the district administration, calling for the immediate restoration of the deleted names and an impartial inquiry. They described the matter not as a simple administrative error, but as a distressing action with serious implications.
The developments coincide with similar reports from other states, including Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In Etawah, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) reportedly claimed that he was threatened and assaulted by individuals allegedly linked to the ruling party after refusing to remove Muslim voters’ names. In Jaipur, another election official alleged pressure to delete around 450 to 470 names, mostly Muslim, with related videos circulating widely on social media.
Human rights activists have warned that such actions could undermine democratic processes and erode public trust in electoral institutions.
Meanwhile, Muslim residents of the district, including local teacher Farida Begum, say they are seeking only fair and lawful redress to ensure their rights as equal citizens. As the nationwide electoral roll revision continues, these incidents have heightened concerns about the potential political marginalization of minority communities.
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