Ajit Pawar’s Serious Claim of Voter List Manipulation
By | Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has triggered a major political debate by alleging that over 11 lakh fake or duplicate voters exist in Mumbai’s electoral rolls. He stated that names of genuine voters have been shifted to other wards while several individuals appear multiple times in the rolls, calling it a long-standing pattern that must be corrected immediately. Pawar warned that such practices directly compromise fairness and transparency, especially as elections draw near.
Duplicate Entries and Systemic Issues Highlighted
According to Pawar, Mumbai’s electoral rolls reflect widespread duplication, including double, triple and even quadruple entries. He claimed the issue has persisted for years due to inadequate verification and improper handling of voter data. Stressing that this threatens the integrity of the democratic process, he urged election authorities to initiate a comprehensive audit of voter records across the city.
Opposition’s Previous Allegations Regain Attention
Pawar’s fresh charge has revived earlier accusations from opposition parties such as the MVA and MNS, who had repeatedly alleged major discrepancies in Mumbai’s voter list. They had pointed out mismatched names, repeated entries, wrongful deletions and additions across several assembly segments and municipal wards. Opposition leaders had also warned that flawed voter lists extend beyond Mumbai into Navi Mumbai, Panvel and other metropolitan regions, accusing authorities of neglecting systematic errors that can sway electoral outcomes.
Political Battle Intensifies Between Parties
The issue has sparked renewed exchanges between ruling and opposition parties. While the opposition maintains that voter list corruption is deliberate and aimed at influencing upcoming polls, the ruling BJP counters that discrepancies exist across all segments and must be addressed uniformly rather than selectively highlighted. The latest claim by Pawar has further widened the political divide, with each side accusing the other of exploiting the matter for electoral advantage.
Increasing Pressure on Election Commission
With both government and opposition leaders now emphasising large-scale irregularities, the Election Commission faces mounting pressure to conduct a full-scale verification of Mumbai’s electoral rolls. Political observers note that any delay or perceived inaction may prompt demands to postpone civic and assembly-related elections. A transparent and time-bound correction of the voter list is being widely demanded to restore public confidence.
High Stakes Ahead of Crucial Elections
Mumbai’s massive electorate means that even a small percentage of discrepancies can affect political outcomes. The figure of 11 lakh alleged fake or duplicate voters — if found to be accurate — raises serious concerns about electoral integrity. As the issue gains momentum across political circles, the spotlight remains firmly on the corrective measures expected from election authorities in the coming weeks.
