Dehradun. A case has come to light during the special revision drive of the electoral roll in Uttarakhand that has stirred up the state’s politics. An objection has been filed seeking the removal of Congress MLA Furkan Ahmad’s name—representing the Piran Kaliyar assembly constituency in Haridwar district—from the voter list. Following this objection, the Congress party has termed the matter serious and targeted the ruling BJP.
The Congress alleges that this move is being made under political pressure and aims to influence the democratic process. The party has stated that it will pursue legal recourse if attempts are made to remove the name from the electoral roll. Meanwhile, administrative officials maintain that the revision of the voter list is a routine procedure and that objections received during the process are resolved in accordance with the rules.
Objection filed against the MLA’s name
According to reports, an objection regarding the name of Congress MLA Furkan Ahmad was lodged during the revision of the Piran Kaliyar assembly constituency’s voter list. The objection demands the removal of his name from the list. However, it is not yet clear on what grounds the objection was filed or which individual or organization is behind it.
Upon the matter coming to light, Congress leaders termed it a political conspiracy. Party leaders argue that attempting to remove an elected MLA’s name from the voter list raises questions about the democratic system.
Congress levels allegations against BJP
The Congress has attacked the BJP government over this entire issue. Party leaders allege that there is an attempt to target opposition leaders and workers through the misuse of power. The Congress stated that any attempt to manipulate the voter list would not be tolerated.
A statement issued by the Congress noted that the voter list is the most crucial document in a democracy. Any irregularity within it could affect democratic rights. The party further stated that it would approach the courts if a fair investigation is not conducted.
BJP dismisses allegations as baseless
Meanwhile, the BJP has dismissed the Congress’s allegations, terming them mere political rhetoric. BJP leaders state that the revision of the voter list is conducted according to the procedure prescribed by the Election Commission. Under these rules, any individual has the right to file an objection.
The BJP maintains that a person’s name is not removed from the voter list merely because an objection has been filed; the concerned officials make a decision only after conducting an inquiry. The party has urged the Congress not to politicize the matter.
Administration to Act According to Rules
Under the voter list revision process, objections can be raised regarding a voter’s name, address, or eligibility. Subsequently, the concerned election officer examines the matter, and a decision is reached based on the documents provided.
According to officials, the objection raised regarding Furkan Ahmed’s name will also be heard in accordance with the rules. A determination on the validity of the objection will be made only after the inquiry. For now, the MLA’s name remains on the voter list.
Past Political Activity in Piran Kaliyar Constituency
The Piran Kaliyar Assembly seat in Haridwar district is one of the state’s key constituencies. It has long been the site of a political contest between the Congress and the BJP. MLA Furkan Ahmed is considered one of the prominent Muslim faces of the Congress party.
Against this backdrop, the controversy surrounding the voter list has further heated up the political atmosphere. The Congress views this as an attempt to target its MLA, whereas the BJP describes it as a routine administrative procedure.
Political Heat Likely to Rise
Following the dispute over the voter list revision, all eyes are now on the actions of the election officials. If new facts emerge during the hearing of the objection, the matter could escalate further.
The Congress has already signaled its stance by mentioning the possibility of moving the courts. Meanwhile, the BJP maintains that the process is being conducted strictly according to the rules. Consequently, this issue is likely to remain a focal point of political discussion in Uttarakhand in the coming days.
