Voter Roll Revision Stirs Controversy in Kolkata Port Assembly

The decline in voter numbers following the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has introduced uncertainty in the Kolkata Port Assembly constituency. With a 26% drop in the electorate, political parties are keenly assessing its impact on the upcoming four-cornered contest, which includes candidates from TMC, BJP, Congress, and CPI(M).

A significant reduction in the voter count after the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has added a layer of uncertainty to the Kolkata Port Assembly constituency, traditionally a stronghold for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The electorate has decreased by nearly 26% from 2.36 lakh in 2021 to around 1.75 lakh, prompting political parties to evaluate its impact on the forthcoming election on April 29.

The TMC has re-nominated Firhad Hakim, a senior minister and Kolkata Mayor, who is contesting for his third term. In opposition, the BJP has fielded Rakesh Singh, the Congress nominated Aquib Gulzar, and the CPI(M) presented Faiyaz Ahmad Khan, making it a competitive four-cornered fight. The constituency, part of Kolkata Dakshin parliamentary area, is characterized by its diverse electorate, including a significant number of Muslim voters, traders, and working-class families.

Amid concerns over voter list revisions, opposition parties have raised the issue of alleged deletions of genuine voters, urging transparency. While civic issues like sanitation and traffic continue to be election topics, the revised voter list has emerged as a focal point. Voting will occur in the second phase on April 29, with results expected on May 4.