ASSAM: The Election Commission of Assam has published the final electoral rolls, revealing a reduction of over 2.43 lakh voters since the draft roll was released. The updated list now includes approximately 2.49 crore voters, a slight decrease of 0.97% from the draft published on December 27 of the previous year.

During the Special Revision exercise, officials identified nearly 5 lakh deceased electors and another 5.23 lakh who had shifted residences, leading to the deletion of names considered to be permanently relocated. The electoral registration process has stirred controversy, with opposition parties claiming that it is being manipulated to disenfranchise certain communities, particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims, colloquially known as 'Miyas'.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the procedure, suggesting that it was necessary to maintain the integrity of voter rolls. "We are ensuring that only eligible individuals are enrolled," he stated. Additionally, the CEO of Assam has put forth guidelines allowing those whose names were removed to apply for inclusion, emphasizing the need for rigorous checks on all applications to avoid including ineligible voters.

As the assembly elections approach, this decision is crucial, given the political significance of voter representation. The precise impact of the removals remains to be seen, but the dialogue around the procedure highlights emerging divisions in Assam's social fabric. Observers note that the local sentiment could influence electoral outcomes, particularly due to the controversies surrounding voter eligibility and community identity. With the election season on the horizon, how Assam navigates these waters may set the tone for future governance.