Mon Jan 19 12:55:28 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Rajasthan Congress Accuses BJP of Voter Roll Manipulation Ahead of Elections

The Story:

The Congress party in Rajasthan has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to remove opposition supporters from electoral rolls through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra alleged that a surge in Form 7 applications, used for voter deletion, occurred after a visit by BJP national general secretary B.L. Santosh to Rajasthan on January 3, 2026. Congress leaders are demanding a forensic investigation into the forms used for voter deletion, suspecting widespread forgery and a coordinated effort to disenfranchise voters aligned with Congress ideology.

The Congress claims that 45 lakh electors were marked as “absent, shifted, or deceased” following the SIR. While the Election Commission of India (EC) extended the deadline for objections to January 19, 2026, the Congress alleges a “secret operation” between January 3 and 13 involving BJP officials and the EC to manipulate voter lists in constituencies where the Congress previously won elections.

Key Points:

  • The Congress alleges the BJP is fraudulently removing opposition supporters from voter rolls in Rajasthan.
  • Govind Singh Dotasra, Rajasthan Congress President, accused the BJP of initiating the voter roll manipulation after January 3, 2026.
  • The Congress claims 45 lakh electors were marked as “absent, shifted or deceased” after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
  • The Congress alleges a surge in Form 7 applications for voter deletion in select constituencies.
  • The party demands a forensic investigation into the origin and distribution of the voter deletion forms.
  • The EC extended the deadline for claims and objections to January 19, 2026 in Rajasthan, along with Goa, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and West Bengal.

Critical Analysis:

The news pieces listed in the related historical context, involving alleged misconduct and internal strife within various political entities and law enforcement agencies across India, DO NOT reveal any significant pattern or strategic depth relating to this primary article regarding voter roll manipulation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Congress party in Rajasthan is raising serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
  • The allegations highlight potential vulnerabilities in the voter registration system and the potential for manipulation.
  • The demand for a forensic investigation underscores the deep distrust between the Congress and the BJP in Rajasthan.
  • The extended deadline for claims and objections by the EC suggests some awareness of irregularities in the process.

Impact Analysis:

This event series, if the allegations are substantiated, has significant long-term implications for Indian democracy:

  • Electoral Legitimacy: A compromised voter roll undermines the legitimacy of any subsequent election. If these allegations are proven true, the credibility of the electoral process in Rajasthan could be severely damaged.
  • Political Polarization: Accusations of voter roll manipulation will further exacerbate political tensions between the Congress and the BJP, potentially leading to increased social unrest.
  • Institutional Trust: The accusations against the EC, a vital independent body, threaten to erode public trust in democratic institutions.
  • Legal Challenges: The demand for a Supreme Court intervention suggests a potential legal battle that could delay or even disrupt the electoral process.
  • Electoral Reform: Regardless of the outcome of this specific situation, the allegations could prompt calls for reforms to the voter registration process to enhance transparency and prevent future manipulation.

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