Gehlot Alleges Voter List Manipulation in Rajasthan: A Threat to Democracy

Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP of manipulating voter lists through pressure on booth level officers. He called it an attack on democracy and warned officials of potential repercussions. Gehlot urged Congress workers to ensure legitimate votes are not deleted, as nearly 42 lakh names were removed in the state.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has alleged that the BJP-led government is exploiting administrative channels to manipulate the state's voter lists. On the final day for filing claims and objections to the draft electoral rolls, Gehlot accused Election Registration Officers of pressuring Booth Level Officers to delete the names of voters showing Congress sympathies.

He asserted this was a significant threat to the electoral process's integrity. Gehlot detailed attempts to intimidate officers who resisted participation, warning them of potential retribution in the form of transfers. Citing incidents in his Sardarpura constituency, he called it an insult to democratic norms and demanded action from the state's chief electoral officer.

Gehlot urged Congress supporters to stay vigilant amid alleged manipulations, emphasizing that democracy is at stake with these removals. The draft electoral roll, published December 16, 2025, saw nearly 42 lakh names deleted from a total of 5.46 crore electorate. These manipulations come as Rajasthan gears up for the final publishing of its revised voter rolls on February 14.

(With inputs from agencies.)