Fri Jan 02 16:08:37 UTC 2026: Summary:
The CPI(M) Kozhikode district secretary, M. Mehaboob, has criticized the recently published draft electoral roll for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Kozhikode, alleging it contains significant errors and was conducted hastily. He claims that eligible voters have been wrongly excluded (some marked as deceased or absent), polling booths are poorly organized, and voters are facing difficulties correcting errors. He has appealed to the Election Commission to intervene and rectify the issues through door-to-door verification, as the District Collector is reportedly unable to resolve the widespread problems. He fears many eligible voters will be unable to vote.
News Article:
Kozhikode CPI(M) Alleges Widespread Errors in Draft Electoral Roll
KOZHIKODE, India – January 2, 2026 – The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in Kozhikode has raised serious concerns regarding the recently released draft electoral roll, alleging widespread errors and irregularities that could disenfranchise voters.
District Secretary M. Mehaboob addressed the media today, claiming the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was conducted in an “unscientific and hasty manner,” leading to the exclusion of eligible voters, incorrect labeling of living persons as deceased, and improper assignment of polling booths.
“We have forwarded a complaint to the Election Commission seeking their urgent intervention,” said Mr. Mehaboob. “Verification of those excluded has revealed that many were removed without valid reasons. Even students and workers abroad or in other States have been omitted, despite possessing the necessary documentation.”
The CPI(M) further alleges that the draft roll arbitrarily splits voters, placing members of the same household in different polling booths. This issue, according to Mr. Mehaboob, is pervasive across all 13 Assembly constituencies in the district.
The party fears that even voters currently listed may face difficulties due to technical errors and confusing hearing notices. The District Collector, who serves as the Election Officer, is reportedly unable to rectify the situation.
Mr. Mehaboob urged the Election Commission to deploy special teams for door-to-door verification to address the problems and ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote. He stated that hearings would be ineffective given the scale of the issues. The CPI(M) considers the door-to-door verification the only way to ensure accurate voter rolls.
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