DC orders probe into allegations against BJP seeking mass objections against eligible voters

Mohammad Roshan | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

Mohammad Roshan, Deputy Commissioner and District Electoral Officer (DEO), ordered an inquiry into allegations by Congress leaders that some BJP leaders were trying to file mass objections against eligible voters in Belagavi.

He also met with representatives of political parties after the allegations.

“The Elector Registration Officer (ERO) will conduct an inquiry and submit a report. Action will be taken against anyone found guilty of any violation,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“We told the political parties that the Election Commission of India had issued several guidelines and safeguards to protect the rights of eligible voters. The issue was resolved after they understood the rules and regulations,” he said.

On Wednesday, Youth Congress leader Aman Sait and others alleged that BJP leader Ravi Patil and others were involved in mass filing of third-party objections against the inclusion of names of Muslim voters in Veerabhadra Nagar.

Mr. Sait alleged that Mr. Patil used his hospital staff to forge documents and impersonate Belagavi Municipal Corporation officials.

The Deputy Commissioner said that as per ECI rules, there was nothing wrong with anyone objecting to any inclusion during the review period. “However, all such objections must follow the guidelines and safeguards of the ECI. ECI has clearly prohibited unfounded and false objections. In case of unfounded objections, mass respondents are warned and asked not to submit such documents in future. In case of knowingly false objections, the ERO has the power to lodge an FIR under section 31 of the Privacy Act at the Booth representation level. Agents (BLA) There is a clearly laid down procedure regarding such objections,” he said.

“When someone files an objection under Form 7, the burden of proof is on the objector. He has to provide proof of his claims. Secondly, if the number of objections is more than two per cent in each booth, then the ERO should investigate and report to the DEO,” said Mr. Roshan.

“A booth-level officer cannot accept mass objections from any person. They have to be examined at the ERO or assistant ERO level. However, the BLA can collect and file up to 10 objections in a day. Deletion of names is not easy. It has to be done after a seven-day notice to both objectors and voters and after a mass query on deletions by the ERO on Wednesday. We have made this clear to the parties,” said the deputy commissioner.

“In Wednesday’s incident, the BLO did not have the authority to receive mass objections. Unfortunately, he was unaware of the rules and this led to confusion. The ERO, which went through all the mass objections, clarified that the objections were not supported by any evidence. The issue was resolved at the preliminary investigation level,” said Roshan.

Published – 24 Sep 2026 20:49 IST