Backlash Grows Over India's Voter-List Purge

The Election Commission has begun a large‑scale clean‑up of the electoral roll, deleting entries it deems ineligible or duplicate. The exercise, intended to improve the accuracy of voter data, has triggered a wave of dissent across the country. Several opposition parties have publicly questioned the criteria used, warning that legitimate voters could be disenfranchised. Civil society organisations have also voiced concerns, urging transparency and a clear grievance redressal mechanism. The commission, while affirming the need for a reliable roll, has said it will review complaints and ensure that eligible citizens are not unfairly excluded.