Mon Apr 06 10:50:38 UTC 2026: ### Headline: West Bengal Doctor Faces Voter Roll Exclusion, Alleges Discrimination Amidst Citizenship Verification Process

The Story

A gynaecologist in Murshidabad, West Bengal, Dr. Haji Kalimuddin, has expressed shock and resentment after being declared an “invalid and illegal voter” despite submitting extensive documentation, including pre-independence land deeds and genealogical records dating back to 1952. Dr. Kalimuddin, along with several family members, including another doctor, a pharmacist, and a police sub-inspector, have been excluded from the voter rolls, while other family members remain included. This exclusion has sparked allegations of discrimination and raised concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program in West Bengal.

Key Points

  • Dr. Haji Kalimuddin, a gynaecologist, was declared an “invalid and illegal voter” despite submitting extensive documentation.
  • Family members, including a doctor, pharmacist, and a police sub-inspector with 37 years of service, have also been excluded.
  • Dr. Kalimuddin’s family history can be traced back to 1845, with records appearing in the 1952 electoral rolls.
  • The exclusion is part of a larger Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program that is causing distress and fear among voters in Bengal.
  • The article alleges that individuals are being unfairly labeled as “Pakistanis” or “Bangladeshis” and forced to navigate a complex appeals process.

Key Takeaways

  • The voter verification process in West Bengal is facing allegations of inconsistency and potential discrimination.
  • The exclusion of long-term residents, including professionals and civil servants, raises concerns about the integrity of the voter rolls.
  • The process is creating a climate of fear and resentment among voters, potentially undermining democratic participation.
  • The article questions the fairness of requiring citizens to prove their citizenship despite possessing documentation.
  • The situation highlights the potential for bureaucratic processes to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

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