Mass deletion of over 2 crore Muslim names from voter list raises alarm in UP
Lucknow: Serious concern has emerged after more than 2.04 crore names of Muslims were removed from the final voter list issued following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh.
According to Kashmir Media Service, several districts report that even eligible voters who had submitted all required documents have found their names missing from the list.
In many areas, a large number of deletions have been reported at once, leading people to question how such a high number of names could be removed without any clear explanation.
Opposition parties, especially the Samajwadi Party, have strongly criticised the deletions, saying they have disproportionately affected weaker sections, including women, the poor, rural voters, and minorities. Party spokesperson Abbas Haider told media, “The large-scale removal of names from the final voter list is extremely worrying. This is a direct attack on democracy and the basic right to vote.
Names cannot be removed without a clear reason and full transparency. This is not acceptable.” According to reports, many voters were not informed that their names were under review or that they needed to update their documents.
For many citizens, especially from weaker and minority backgrounds, mostly Muslims, the issue is directly linked to their right to participate in elections. Abbas Haider has demanded that the Election Commission of India immediately investigate the issue. He said, “The names of affected voters must be restored without delay, and strict action should be taken against officials responsible for this negligence.” The opposition alleges targeting of poor, women, and minorities and demands an urgent probe and restoration of names.
