"Rahul Gandhi is touching all the sore points," says Sukhdeo Bhagat on Delhi voter deletions
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat defends Rahul Gandhi's claims regarding the removal of 727 voters from Delhi's Bela Estate.
The political temperature in the national capital has escalated following serious allegations by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding the mass removal of voters from the electoral rolls in Delhi's Bela Estate. Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat has come out in strong support of the Congress leader, asserting that the criticism directed at the Election Commission of India (ECI) is hitting home.
The Bela Estate Controversy
The controversy centers on the Bela Estate area located on the banks of the Yamuna. According to Rahul Gandhi, a massive discrepancy has emerged in the voter lists following the Special Inquiry Report (SIR). He alleged that out of 728 residents in the area, 727 names have been struck off the rolls, leaving only a single voter remaining.
Gandhi highlighted that these residents have lived in the area for decades and have previously participated in elections, including the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the 2025 Delhi elections. He noted that despite their homes being demolished in 2023, the residents have remained in the same location. During a visit to the community, Gandhi emphasized that the lack of a permanent house should not strip a citizen of their right to vote, citing that the Chief Election Commissioner himself has acknowledged provisions for the homeless.
"This isn't SIR - this is a method of vote theft. From those who already have the least, their only power is being snatched away." — Rahul Gandhi
Congress MP Defends the Stance
Supporting these claims, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat stated that Rahul Gandhi is addressing the most sensitive issues regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Bhagat argued that the alleged removal of names is not just a matter of individual votes but represents a direct assault on the constitutional structure of India.
Bhagat further remarked:
- The extent of illegal name removals must be scrutinized.
- The issue transcends party lines and affects the entire democratic system.
- The Congress party is actively exposing these discrepancies through constitutional means.
ECI Response and Rectification Process
In response to the outcry, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi clarified that the matter has been looked into by the relevant Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). The Commission has emphasized its commitment to an inclusive revision process where no eligible citizen is excluded.
To ensure transparency, the Election Commission of India has announced the following:
- Extension of Deadline: The period for filing claims and objections for the National Capital Territory of Delhi has been extended until October 30, 2026.
- Re-enrollment Process: Any eligible voter who finds their name missing from the draft roll can submit Form-6 to enroll as a new elector.
- Submission Methods: Applications can be submitted physically to EROs, AEROs, or Booth Level Officers (BLO), or digitally via the official voters' website and the ECINET mobile app.
The Commission maintained that its goal is to ensure that the electoral roll is both inclusive of eligible citizens and free from ineligible entries.