Deletions impossible without due process: CEC refutes claims of electoral roll manipulation

Tue Jan 07 10:27:57 UTC 2025: ## CEC Rejects Delhi Voter List Manipulation Claims Ahead of Assembly Polls

**New Delhi, January 7, 2025** – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar today categorically dismissed allegations of manipulation in the Delhi Assembly electoral roll, asserting that the process is transparent and rigorous, and immune to arbitrary changes. His statement comes in response to recent claims by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleging large-scale voter deletions in the New Delhi constituency aimed at influencing the upcoming elections.

Addressing a press conference announcing the schedule for the Delhi Assembly polls, Mr. Kumar detailed the multi-stage verification process for adding and deleting names from the electoral roll. He emphasized that deletions require thorough documentation, field verification by booth-level officers (BLOs), and the opportunity for affected individuals to be heard. The process includes mandatory verification using Form 7 or Form B, cross-verification when deletions exceed 2% of a polling station’s list, and a seven-day window for objections after online publication of notices. Deaths require certified death certificates. He further stated that regular meetings are held with political party representatives, who can appoint booth-level agents (BLAs), and that claim and objection lists are shared weekly and published online.

Mr. Kumar criticized the tendency to raise concerns about electoral integrity only during election periods, calling allegations of mass deletions without evidence misleading and detrimental to public trust. He stated that the process leaves “no room for manipulation” and that every step is rooted in transparency and accountability. The CEC’s comments directly address the concerns raised by Ms. Atishi, who called for an immediate inquiry into the alleged tampering.