Mon Feb 02 16:43:34 UTC 2026: Headline: Mass Electoral Roll Deletion Allegations Rock Gujarat Ahead of Elections

The Story:
Allegations of widespread misuse of Form 7 applications for electoral roll deletions have surfaced in Gujarat, sparking a political firestorm. Opposition parties accuse the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the mass submissions, targeting opposition and minority strongholds during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Numerous voters claim their signatures were forged, and personal information was misused to file false deletion claims. The BJP vehemently denies the allegations, asserting transparency in the SIR process.

The controversy unfolds as the Election Commission of India (ECI) data shows discrepancies in reported deletion application numbers, further fueling suspicion. The allegations include voters being tricked into signing forms under the guise of voter inclusion, mobile numbers on the forms belonging to unrelated individuals, and a substantial reduction of nearly 74 lakh voters in Gujarat’s electoral rolls during the December revision.

Key Points:

  • Allegations of mass misuse of Form 7 forms for deletion of names from electoral rolls in Gujarat.
  • Opposition parties accuse the ruling BJP of targeting opposition and minority strongholds.
  • Voters claim forgery and misuse of personal information.
  • Discrepancies in figures released by the Election Commission of India regarding the number of Form 7 submissions.
  • Instances of voters being misled into signing deletion forms under the pretense of voter inclusion.
  • Significant reduction of approximately 74 lakh voters in Gujarat’s electoral rolls as of December 19, 2025.
  • The BJP denies any involvement, claiming a transparent SIR process.
  • Examples cited from various districts, including Devbhoomi Dwarka, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Junagadh.
  • Congress alleges the BJP’s state headquarters is sending lists of names to be deleted.

Key Takeaways:

  • The allegations of electoral roll manipulation raise serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of the upcoming elections in Gujarat.
  • The discrepancies in data released by the ECI erode public trust in the electoral process.
  • The targeting of minority communities, as alleged by opposition parties, could further polarize the political landscape.
  • The incident underscores the need for stricter oversight and verification procedures in the electoral roll revision process.
  • The event highlights the potential for misuse of electoral processes and the vulnerability of voter data.

Impact Analysis:

The unfolding scandal has the potential to significantly impact the upcoming elections in Gujarat. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to:

  • Erosion of public trust in the electoral process and democratic institutions.
  • Legal challenges and demands for re-verification of electoral rolls.
  • Increased scrutiny of the Election Commission’s procedures and impartiality.
  • Political instability and potential for social unrest.
  • Long-term damage to the reputation of the BJP and potentially other political actors involved. The SIT investigation into the Anandapur warehouse fire, noted in related historical context, might also heighten public sensitivity to issues of governance and accountability, indirectly impacting perceptions of the electoral manipulation allegations.

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