Pune: Opposition parties and civil society groups sought an intensive publicity campaign and more voter registration camps to ensure eligible people take advantage of the extended deadline till Nov 13 to file applications for name inclusion, deletion and correction in Maharashtra ’s electoral roll under the SIR exercise.
A representative of an opposition party said, “The election machinery should publicise the revised deadline through local bodies, political parties, housing societies and community organisations. They said voters should have enough time to submit supporting documents and seek corrections before the publication of the final roll. Opposition parties and activists called on the election machinery to announce a schedule of camps immediately and ensure assistance was available in residential areas, slums, villages and localities with a high concentration of migrant workers. They also sought active involvement of political parties’ BLAs (booth-level agents) in identifying voters who need to file applications. Activists associated with various civil rights groups sought adequate time for people to complete the application process.
Activists and opposition parties’ representatives said the extended window must translate into wider voter participation and adequate safeguards against the exclusion of genuine electors. Opposition parties said merely extending the deadline would not be enough unless voters were made aware of the opportunity through a widespread campaign. Opposition leaders and activists pointed to the longer timelines provided to other states for the SIR exercise. They argued that Maharashtra, given its large and mobile electorate, should also be given adequate time to ensure that no eligible voter is left out.