LUCKNOW: Serious concerns have emerged in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district after nearly 200 names, mostly belonging to members of the Muslim community, were reportedly targeted for deletion from the electoral roll, triggering alarm among residents who fear an attempt to undermine their voting rights ahead of future elections.
The issue surfaced in Aminabad Bara village under the Kithaur constituency, where a single individual submitted Form 7 applications seeking the deletion of around 200 voters from the electoral roll. Many of those listed were shown as dead, even though they are alive and living in the same village.
As news spread, members of the Muslim community gathered to protest, calling the act politically motivated and a clear attempt to target them. “My name was marked as deceased even though I am alive and living here with my family,” said one resident. “Had we not verified the list in time, our right to vote would have been quietly taken away.”
Villagers pointed out that the majority of names targeted belonged to Muslims, deepening suspicions of deliberate profiling. Community elders stated that such actions create mistrust and fear and erode public trust in democratic institutions. “Voting is our basic right,” a local elder said. “Trying to snatch it by false claims is an attack on democracy.”
Meerut District Magistrate VK Singh confirmed that the matter came to his notice through social media posts and public complaints, adding that an inquiry is underway. “There is a clear legal process. After a form is submitted, a hearing period of seven days is given. Only after that can any decision be taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muslim residents have demanded transparency and protection. “We want a fair probe and clear answers,” said a young voter. “Such acts make us feel unsafe and targeted.” Activists stressed that the incident underscores the urgent need for vigilant and close monitoring of voter lists, especially in minority-dominated areas, to safeguard electoral integrity and prevent disenfranchisement.
