634 applications filed to delete voter names in Danilimda, concerns raised

A controversy has erupted in Ahmedabad over alleged attempts to remove the names of homeless residents from the voter list following an encroachment drive near Chandola Lake. Concerns have been raised that voters are being targeted under the ongoing verification process.

After encroachments around Chandola Lake were cleared, several families were rendered homeless. Despite assurances from the municipal corporation and the state government, many of these families have not yet been allotted alternative housing. It is alleged that the lack of residential documents among these homeless residents is now being used to seek deletion of their names from the electoral rolls.

In the Danilimda assembly constituency, two BJP workers have reportedly submitted a total of 634 Form-7 applications seeking deletion of voter names. Of these, 396 forms were filed by a worker named Vihar Singal at Booth No. 193, while 238 forms were submitted by Jaswant Waghela at Booth No. 194.

The issue came to light after reports from the Jamalpur area claimed that written declarations were being taken from voters stating they had no objection if their names were removed from the voter list. This has raised serious questions about the legality of the process.

As per election rules, anyone filing objections must submit valid evidence. Filing false objections can attract a police complaint, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, and imprisonment of up to three months. A complaint in this regard has been registered at Isanpur Police Station.

Opposition groups have warned that if voter names are deleted without the knowledge or consent of voters, the matter will be taken to court. Meanwhile, representations are set to be made before the State Election Commission on Monday, alleging violations of election rules and politically motivated action.