the goan I network
VASCO
As many as 900 names were deleted and 282 names added in the electoral roll of Mormugao Constituency on Thursday, after notices of deletion were served to as many as 1,600 voters from the constituency.
Soon after the process of deletion/addition was completed, a delegation of Congress leaders comprising Amarnath Panjikar, Adv Varad Mardolkar, Adv Pratima Coutinho and Janardhan Bhandari along with locals marched to the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) and confronted Joint Mamlatdar Saish Naik over the issue.
They claimed that bulk deletion of names from the Mormugao constituency electoral roll was a political move.
Joint Mamlatdar Saish Naik, however, maintained that the process was a routine exercise and that any local was authorised to raise objections
“No matter who raises objection, the process is taken up only after verification through BLO. This exercise is not only for Mormugao but for all areas. Around 900 names have been deleted since today was the last day. In case there is anyone staying and their names have been wrongly deleted, they can apply for addition again and can be added back after verification of documents . The process is transparent and this is an online process systems,” said Naik.
“We have summary revision from December 15 to January 15, which is the time to collect forms for verification, correction, addition and deletion. Some people who have shifted to a different area have to be deleted from the particular area,” said Naik.
Later speaking to reporters, GPCC General Secretary Amaranth Panjikar said proper procedures were not followed during deletion and the GPCC would approach the Election Commission
on the issue.
While Adv Pratima Coutinho claimed vindictive politics was going on because MMC elections are due in six months, Adv Varad Mardolkar said works of the field workers like BLO had not been monitired by the
mamlatdar.
“Proper verification has not been done and we have requested the Mamlatdar to call for a meeting and verify for himself instead of relying on BLOs. The Mamlatdar has agreed to a meeting with people whose names have been deleted,” said Mardolkar.
