A deep sense of anxiety has gripped residents of Kalikahara village under Faridpur gram panchayat in the border-adjacent Jalangi Assembly constituency of Murshidabad district, after allegations surfaced that the names of dozens of valid voters were targeted for deletion from the electoral roll through Form-7 applications submitted to the Election Commission.
According to the villagers, more than 70 residents of Booth No. 193 in Kalikahara were listed in multiple Form-7 submissions seeking removal of their names from the voter list. The applications reportedly described several living individuals as “dead” and, in some cases, marked them as “not Indian citizens,” triggering outrage and fear among affected families who say they have lived and voted in the area for generations.
“We Were Told We Are Not Indian Citizens”
“We were told we are not Indian citizens,” said Mohammad Enamul Haque, a resident of the village.
“Our forefathers were born and died here. We have all the valid documents and have voted for years. How can our citizenship suddenly be questioned?” Haque said.
Similar allegations were raised by Kazi Ruhul Amin, who said his and his wife’s names were marked “not Indian citizen,” while Sagora Bibi said she was declared deceased in the application despite being alive and an active voter.
“I have cast my vote with my own hands for years. Now I hear I am shown as dead. This is an attack on our existence,” she said.
Allegations Against BJP Functionary; Denial Follows
The controversy intensified after villagers alleged that the Form-7 applications were submitted by Bijay Ghosh, a resident of Mohanganj under Raninagar police station in Murshidabad—around 35 km away—and reportedly a local BJP functionary. Residents questioned how a person from another polling area could seek the deletion of names from Booth 193.
Villagers claim the move is not isolated but part of a targeted attempt against a specific community. Kazi Ruma Kuntam told The Observer Post, “I never received any notice from election authorities regarding errors in my voter record. How can someone from another booth apply to remove my name without my knowledge? We feel this is happening because we are minorities.”
On the other hand, Local BJP leader Bijay Ghosh denied all accusations, stating: “I have not submitted any Form-7. I do not even know that area. Someone may have forged my identity or documents.”
Police Complaint and Administrative Response
Following the revelations, residents of Kalikahara collectively lodged a written complaint at the Jalangi police station. Police confirmed that the complaint has been received and an investigation has been initiated. The incident has also raised concerns about safeguards in the voter roll verification process, with residents claiming the applications were filed without their knowledge.
Form-7 under electoral rules is ordinarily used to request deletion of a voter’s name in cases of death, permanent relocation, or duplication. Election authorities maintain that removal cannot occur without due verification, notice, and hearing.
Booth Level Officer (BLO) Samiul Islam said he became aware of the bulk Form-7 submissions through the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) and conducted field verification accordingly. “I personally visited every listed voter’s home and submitted my report to the AERO as instructed,” he said.
Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) Somnath Mukhopadhyay confirmed that the objections are under scrutiny. He stated, “No name is deleted merely because someone files Form-7. The concerned voter is given an opportunity to present documents. Verification is underway.”
Political Reactions and Civil Society Concerns
The episode has stirred broader debate about electoral integrity in sensitive border regions, where questions of citizenship and identity carry heightened social and political weight. Human-rights activist Matiur Rahman warned that such allegations can quickly inflame tensions.
“In border areas, voter identity is closely tied to citizenship concerns. Forcing people to prove their citizenship again creates deep insecurity,” he said, adding that a transparent investigation is essential to restore public trust.
Jalangi’s Trinamool Congress MLA Abdur Razzak Mondal said the matter would be raised with the relevant authorities. “Such incidents breed division and resentment. We will seek a proper probe and necessary action,” the MLA said.
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Domkal and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Shubhankar Bala told The Observer Post, “We are examining the matter. Procedures will be followed strictly as per law.”
Fear Beyond Voting Rights
In Kalikahara, however, uncertainty persists. Many residents fear that deletion from the voter list could not only strip them of voting rights but also complicate future proof of citizenship.
“If our names are cut, it is not just about voting…we will become strangers in our own country,” said one villager.
