Calcutta (India), 23 Apr. (LaPresse/AP) – Polls for state elections opened today in eastern Indian state of West Bengal after a nationwide review of voter rolls removed about 9 million names, raising concerns about disenfranchisement. The results of the elections will have national relevance. West Bengal, in fact, is one of the few largest Indian states not governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi’s party, therefore, is aiming to gain support, while a victory for current governor Mamata Banerjee would strengthen his position as a leading opposition figure. Among the reasons given for the deletions in the list review, the Election Commission of India cited deceased, absent, or ‘doubtful’ voters. According to officials, of the 9 million names deleted, approximately 6.3 million are deceased or absent; 2.7 million, however, are marked as “doubtful” and therefore awaiting verification. (Continues)
India’s West Bengal elections: Modi tested after voter list review
Calcutta (India), 23 Apr. (LaPresse/AP) – Polls for state elections opened today in eastern Indian state of West Bengal after a nationwide review of voter rolls removed about 9 million names, raising concerns about disenfranchisement. The results of the elections will have national relevance. West Bengal, in fact, is one of the few largest Indian states not governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi’s party, therefore, is aiming to gain support, while a victory for current governor Mamata Banerjee would strengthen his position as a leading opposition figure. Among the reasons given for the deletions in the list review, the Election Commission of India cited deceased, absent, or ‘doubtful’ voters. According to officials, of the 9 million names deleted, approximately 6.3 million are deceased or absent; 2.7 million, however, are marked as “doubtful” and therefore awaiting verification. (Continues)
