Opposition BJD Calls for Rigorous Voter Roll Verification in Odisha

The opposition BJD in Odisha has voiced strong concerns over the identification of around 9.8 lakh voters for potential deletion during the state's pre-SIR exercise. Highlighting the fundamental right to vote, they are pushing for comprehensive re-verification efforts.

During a demonstration at the Chief Electoral Officer's office, the BJD called for a robust mechanism to safeguard eligible voters' rights. They insisted that no deletion be finalized without thorough and verifiable field inquiry, urging a transparent process before the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The party also emphasized the necessity of protecting the rights of migrant and temporary workers, proposing detailed constituency-wise disclosures and the establishment of independent audit mechanisms in problematic districts. Odisha CEO, R S Gopalan, mentioned that BLOs have reported on absent voters, yet no new date for SIR has been announced.

(With inputs from agencies.)