Ghost of faulty roll reappears

Like in the first phase of panchayat polls on Wednesday, many voters were asked to wait outside the polling stations even on Sunday in the second phase of polls as their names were missing from the voter list. Due to faulty electoral rolls, many voters were sent back without casting their votes.

Polling staff members said it was common problem they were dealing with since morning, because without name on the list which the State Election Commission had provided, voters could not be allowed to cast their votes.

Despite the morning chill, around 120 voters in Tamarhat under Dhubri district shocked that they were not on the voter lists. They circled back and eventually gave up. Many polling stations have witnessed the same problem.

"We are here for the past one hour waiting for confirmation from the polling staff as to whether we will be casting our votes" – said a deprived voter.

Voting is currently underway for the second phase of the panchayat polls across 10 districts in Assam. Polling started at 7 AM and will end at 3 PM.

Voting was underway this morning in Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, South Salmara-Mankachar, Goalpara, Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj and Hojai.