The Special Intensive Revision process has reportedly led to the removal of hundreds of names, prompting residents to approach the district collector, demanding accountability and an impartial investigation
REWA – The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in India has come under scrutiny in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh after reports emerged that hundreds of Muslim voters’ names were allegedly removed from the voter list. This follows similar incidents in Rajasthan’s Jaipur and Etawah in Uttar Pradesh, creating fear and anxiety among minority communities.
According to locals, the names of several Muslim residents were removed without proper verification or notice, despite them being long-term native residents of the area. Complaints were lodged at the district collectorate, with residents demanding immediate action and clarification.
Also read: MP: Muslims Allege Misuse of Election Commission Forms to Delete Their Names
“Many of us have lived here for generations, yet suddenly our names are being deleted from the voter list,” said Mohsin Ali, a resident of Gudh Panchayat. “We feel targeted and discriminated against. We want the administration to investigate this thoroughly and restore our names without delay.”
Reports indicate that in various villages, multiple voter names were removed under Form-7 procedures. For instance, 46 names from Gudh Panchayat, 73 from Barhadi, 125 from Raipur Karchulia, 62 from Ramnai, and 33 from Jugnihai were reportedly deleted. Residents claim they were not informed and that the forms were allegedly filled out without their consent.
“About 500 names appear to have been removed,” said a group of residents who approached the collectorate. “We demand an impartial investigation and corrective measures. This is not just a clerical issue – it feels like deliberate harassment of our community.”
Rewa District Collector Pratibha Pal confirmed that complaints have been received regarding discrepancies in Forms 6, 7, and 8, which are used for adding, deleting, or correcting voter information. “The SIR Phase-1 mapping has been completed, and objections were received on the draft published. We are reviewing all complaints and discrepancies,” she said. The collector added that any irregularities would be addressed in a transparent, lawful manner.
The controversy comes amid wider allegations of pressure and intimidation of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in BJP-governed states. In Etawah, BLO Ashwini Kumar reported being attacked by individuals claiming to be BJP officials when he refused to remove Muslim voters’ names. “They tried to physically harm me, threatened my life, and even broke my mobile phone,” he stated. A video of the incident circulating on social media shows him emotionally recounting the attack.
Similarly, in Jaipur, BLO Kirti Kumar alleged that he was pressured to remove 450–470 Muslim voters’ names during the SIR process. “I cannot remove names without proper procedure,” he said in a viral video, visibly distressed. “This is a Muslim-majority area, and the pressure is politically motivated.”
Human rights groups have raised concerns over these incidents. “The systematic removal or intimidation of minority voters undermines democratic processes and erodes trust in electoral institutions,” said Ananya Sen, a civil rights activist. “Such actions must be investigated immediately, and safeguards must be put in place to protect vulnerable communities.”
Muslim residents of Rewa have emphasised that they seek a lawful, fair resolution. “We are law-abiding citizens, contributing to society, yet these actions make us feel unsafe in our own homes,” said Farida Begum, a local teacher.
As the SIR process continues across the country, these developments highlight growing anxieties among minority communities, particularly Muslims, about political marginalisation and targeted harassment. The administration in Rewa has promised to review all complaints carefully and ensure that no voter is wrongfully disenfranchised.
