Electoral Roll Forms Distributed to Patna Voters by Kudawala

Quick Summary:

• Residents in Patna, Bihar, reported receiving electoral roll enumeration forms from a municipal sweeper (kudawala) instead of Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
• Forms distributed lacked barcodes or receipts,causing confusion and mistrust among voters.
• Concerns raised by locals about potential misuse or invalidation of forms during elections.
• BLO for teh locality claimed ignorance about the issue and did not confirm involvement of the kudawala.
• Two BLOs in different districts have been accused of misconduct: one for allegedly accepting bribes in Gaya and another for misleading voters in Begusarai.
• Election Commission data shows 83.66% enumeration forms collected; 1.59% deceased voters identified, while others shifted permanently or are enrolled multiple times.
• Nearly one lakh BLOs to initiate door-to-door visits as part of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process; deadline for submission is July 25.
• Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled for October-November.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The unusual delivery mechanism via kudawalas highlights administrative inefficiencies that could undermine public trust in the electoral process. While logistical difficulties might explain this approach, lack of proper identification protocols raises legitimate concerns about impersonation or tampering with voter rolls ahead of crucial State Assembly elections later this year.

Additionally,allegations against BLOs regarding bribery and misinformation further strain public confidence. ensuring clarity through tech-based solutions like barcoded forms and systematic verification processes could be critical at this juncture to safeguard democratic integrity.With nearly 12% voter enumeration pending completion before July 25, proactive measures need to balance efficiency without compromising security as door-to-door efforts enter their final phase.

Read more: https://www.thehindu.com