Aik News:Three United Nations special rapporteurs have sent an open letter to the Indian government, seeking clarification over allegations of deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls. The UN special rapporteurs have demanded a comprehensive response from India on the allegations, detailed information, and details of measures taken to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
The letter states that allegations have been received regarding the deletion of millions of names from electoral lists, including claims of possible exclusion on the basis of religion and ethnicity. The United Nations has sought detailed data from India regarding voters removed from the lists on religious and ethnic grounds.
According to the allegations, around 9.1 million names were reportedly deleted from electoral rolls in West Bengal, while allegations were received regarding the deletion of approximately 52 million names across 12 states and union territories.
The letter states that allegations have emerged that individuals belonging to the Muslim and Bengali communities were particularly targeted and removed from electoral lists. In the Nandigram area, it has been claimed that 95 percent of the deleted voters were Muslims, while Muslim voters constitute 25 percent of the electorate in the constituency.
The UN special rapporteurs said that if these allegations are proven true, they could constitute a serious violation of international human rights obligations. The UN has expressed concerns over the possible disproportionate impact on minorities, particularly Muslims.
The letter calls on the Indian government to provide details demonstrating the absence of discrimination in the electoral process, ensure effective legal remedies for affected voters, and protect their right to vote.
The United Nations has expressed human rights concerns over the alleged exclusion of millions of voters from electoral rolls in West Bengal, stating that around 3.4 million appeals reportedly remained unresolved before the April 2026 elections.
The letter also raised questions regarding the use of artificial intelligence and called for transparency and impartiality in the electoral roll revision process.
The UN special rapporteurs have sought complete details of appeals, objections, and decisions taken on them from India, while also asking what measures have been taken to protect minorities from discrimination in the electoral process.
The United Nations has stated that India’s response and the letter will be made public, and that a public statement may also be issued on the matter if required.
