DC orders inquiry into allegations against BJP trying to file bulk objections against eligible voters

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan has ordered an investigation into allegations that some BJP leaders were attempting to submit bulk objections against eligible voters in Belagavi. A meeting was held with representatives of various political parties following the allegations. Roshan stated that the Elector Registration Officer (ERO) would investigate the allegations and submit a report, with appropriate action taken against anyone found guilty of a violation.

He reminded the political parties about the guidelines and safeguards issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to protect eligible voters' rights. Aman Sait, a youth Congress leader, had previously alleged that BJP leader Ravi Patil and others were involved in filing third-party objections in bulk, specifically regarding the inclusion of Muslim voters' names in Veerabhadra Nagar.

Sait claimed that Patil had used staff from his hospital to manipulate documents and impersonate Belagavi city corporation officials. Roshan clarified that filing objections against inclusions during the review period is allowed under ECI rules, but all objections must adhere to ECI guidelines and safeguards. Farcical and false objections are prohibited, and bulk objectors face warnings and restrictions on future submissions.

If objections are found to be knowingly false, an FIR may be filed under section 31 of the Representation of People's Act. The ERO has the authority to hold an inquiry when bulk objections exceed two percent in each booth. A Booth Level Officer (BLO) cannot accept bulk objections and must have them scrutinized at the ERO or Assistant ERO level.

However, a BLA can collect and submit up to ten objections per day. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that no deletions were made based on the bulk objections filed on Wednesday, as the ERO found no supporting documents to substantiate the allegations.