In recent months, allegations of voter list manipulation have surfaced across India, with opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Indian National Congress (INC), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of tampering with electoral rolls. These claims suggest that the BJP is using voter list manipulation as a strategic tool to influence election outcomes, raising serious concerns about the integrity of India’s democratic process.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been vocal about these allegations, claiming that the BJP is adding fake voters from other states to the electoral rolls in West Bengal, allegedly with the backing of the Election Commission of India (ECI). She presented evidence of names from Haryana and Gujarat appearing alongside those of West Bengal residents under the same Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number, suggesting a coordinated effort to manipulate voter lists.
Similarly, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP of large-scale voter list manipulation, pointing to the addition of bogus voters in states like Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi, where the BJP has recently secured victories. Kharge emphasized that these tactics pose a grave threat to democracy and have led to the deletion of genuine voters’ names or their transfer to neighboring booths.
Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP supremo, has also lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that the BJP manipulated the electoral roll in his constituency in New Delhi. He highlighted a sudden surge in voter registration applications and deletions, which he believes are part of a larger scam to influence election results.
These allegations, if true, have profound implications for India’s democratic system. The manipulation of voter lists undermines the fundamental principle of free and fair elections, potentially disenfranchising genuine voters and allowing non-residents to influence local outcomes. This not only erodes public trust in the electoral process but also threatens the legitimacy of elected governments.
Moreover, the involvement of the Election Commission, as alleged by opposition leaders, raises questions about the independence and impartiality of this critical institution. The ECI’s role is to ensure that elections are conducted fairly and transparently, and any perceived bias or complicity in voter list manipulation could have far-reaching consequences for India’s democratic fabric.
In response to these allegations, opposition parties are mobilizing to expose and counter these tactics. Mamata Banerjee has warned of protests against the Election Commission if corrective action is not taken, while the Congress plans to undertake a nationwide campaign to highlight these issues and protect democratic processes.
The AAP has demanded immediate action from the Election Commission to address the alleged manipulation in Delhi, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in electoral processes.
The credibility of the Election Commission of India has come under scrutiny, with reports indicating a decline in public trust. A survey conducted by CSDS-Lokniti revealed that the percentage of voters who do not trust the ECI has nearly doubled over the past five years. This erosion of confidence is further exacerbated by incidents such as the open distribution of money during elections. For instance, during the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, there were reports of record seizures of cash and liquor, raising questions about the effectiveness of the ECI in curbing electoral malpractices.
The allegations of voter list manipulation by the BJP have become a rallying cry for opposition parties, who see these claims as a threat to democracy and an opportunity to mobilize public opinion against the ruling party. Whether these allegations are proven or not, they have already become a significant political issue, highlighting the need for vigilance and reform in India’s electoral system.
As India moves forward, ensuring the integrity of its democratic processes will be crucial. The opposition’s efforts to expose and counter alleged voter list manipulation may serve as a shield against perceived electoral malpractices, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders—political parties, the Election Commission, and citizens—to safeguard the sanctity of India’s elections.
