PORVORIM
A controversy has arisen over the deletion and subsequent re-enrolment of a voter in Socorro village’s electoral roll.
At a press conference, Socorro Panch Gauri Volvoikar demanded the suspension of the Booth Level Officer (BLO) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) involved and called for an independent inquiry into the alleged irregular re-enrolment of Anil Pednekar.
According to Volvoikar, Pednekar was originally registered as a voter in Part No. 7 of Socorro under the Porvorim Assembly constituency. During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, the BLO reportedly found that he was residing in a flat in Caranzalem, Taleigao, outside Socorro village and the Porvorim constituency. His name was subsequently deleted from the electoral roll.
Volvoikar alleged that Pednekar later applied for inclusion in Part No. 5 of Socorro, claiming residence in rented accommodation and submitting an affidavit from the property owner. The application was approved by the BLO, AERO and Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), leading to his re-enrolment.
Questioning the process, Volvoikar claimed the BLO’s verification lacked details such as the date, place and duration of residence. She said the case raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral roll and demanded accountability and an inquiry into the matter.
Name not in Taleigao poll roll: Pednekar
PORVORIM: Responding to the allegations, Anil Pednekar said his name is not enrolled in the Taleigao Assembly constituency electoral roll despite residing there and that he continues to vote in Socorro. Pednekar said his ancestral house has been in Socorro for 90 years. He claimed his name was deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise after the BLO failed to find him at the ancestral house. He later rented a flat in Socorro and was re-enrolled based on a letter from the flat owner. Questioning the objections, Pednekar said many migrants vote in their native places despite living elsewhere.
