Phansidewa, 29th March: Tensions erupted in Lahugachh village of Phansidewa after 609 voters’ names were reportedly missing from two polling booths, prompting angry residents to block the state road in protest.
The missing names affect booths 223 and 224 of the Phansidewa assembly constituency, which together have 1,533 registered voters. The issue surfaced after the release of the supplementary voter list, causing widespread anger. Residents allege that even after the full voter list was issued, over 700 voters were previously marked as “under consideration,” and now 609 names have been completely removed.
The development has created fear and discontent in the area.
Protesters raised questions over the Election Commission’s role and expressed their anger by staging a road blockade.
Those whose names were removed include current and former panchayat members, their families, and several ordinary voters. A local panchayat member claimed that despite having their name on the list since 2002 and land documents dating back to 1987, their name was removed. They also alleged that names of minority voters were selectively deleted.
Protesters warned that if the voter list is not corrected soon, a larger movement will be launched in the coming days.