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Dhubri, Jan 29: On Thursday, the Dhubri branch of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) held a protest rally, presenting a comprehensive memorandum to the District Commissioner. The document highlighted alleged irregularities, procedural errors, and violations concerning the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls.

The rally commenced at the AIUDF’s district office and concluded at the District Commissioner’s office, attracting hundreds of party members, supporters, and elected officials.

Among the participants were AIUDF legislators Nizanur Rahman and Nazrul Hoque, who carried placards and chanted slogans against the government.

Leaders of the party stated that the protest aimed to draw immediate administrative attention to what they termed systematic irregularities in the electoral revision process, which they claimed were negatively impacting genuine voters, especially marginalized and displaced groups.

“We are protesting against the targeting of a specific community under the guise of the Special Revision and the harassment of individuals. We are submitting a memorandum to the District Commissioner, demanding an immediate halt to this process,” stated Dhubri MLA Nazrul Hoque.

The memorandum outlined several grievances regarding the ongoing revision process.

A significant concern raised was the lack of specific grounds for objection in Form 14 notices issued by Electoral Registration Officers, which the party argued violated principles of natural justice by denying voters a fair chance to respond.

Additionally, the memorandum alleged that there were deviations from the Manual on Electoral Rolls, 2023, particularly regarding provisions that limit the acceptance of bulk claims or objections to specific, clearly defined circumstances.

Senior AIUDF member and advocate Jamsher Talukdar emphasized the challenges voters faced due to the late delivery of notices, which were sometimes received on the day of the hearing or just a day prior.

“This situation makes it nearly impossible for individuals to gather necessary documents, witnesses, or even reach the hearing locations,” Talukdar remarked.

He also pointed out the complications involved in transferring votes via Form 8 and the issues arising from simultaneous deletion processes, which the party claimed were leading to voter exclusion.

Talukdar questioned the timing of the Special Revision, stating, “A Special Revision cannot occur in an election year. According to the Constitution, it should take place a year in advance. The process is ongoing without adequate awareness. We are protesting this and will approach the Supreme Court. We are citizens who have voted for years, yet our names are being removed.”

The AIUDF called on authorities to prevent the acceptance of large-scale objections filed by individuals, ensure strict adherence to the Manual on Electoral Rolls, 2023, and clearly specify grounds for objection in all notices.