Name of Former Army Personnel Removed from Voter List, Enumeration Form Denied
The Statesman | 14 November 2025
Shashikant, a resident of Kapasdanga Lichutala in Ward No. 8 of Chinsurah Municipality, served in the mechanical engineering department of the Indian Army for nearly three decades. He was also a member of the Shanti Sena, the peacekeeping force sent by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to Sri Lanka to suppress the LTTE.
According to Election Commission of India sources, names that do not appear on the current voter list will not be issued the enumeration form after the draft list is published.
While six other members of his family have received their enumeration forms, Mr Shashikant, the head of the family, has not been provided with one since his name has been deleted from the electoral rolls.
During his service, he was posted in various parts of the country — from Fort William to Ladakh and several other locations. Now 87 years old, Shashikant retired 34 years ago and continues to receive his retirement benefits. He has exercised his right to vote in multiple elections over the years.
His name appeared in the last SIR list of 2002, and he also voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. However, his name has now been removed from the current voter list.
Speaking to The Statesman, Shashikant said: “I joined the Indian Army in 1964 and worked across different parts of the country. When I was stationed in Sri Lanka, it was nearly time for my retirement. I retired from Agra and have voted in every election since. Now the BLO, who visited our residence, told me that my name has been deleted. He said he was unaware of the reason and advised me to reapply with supporting documents.”
Expressing his frustration, Shashikant said, “At this ripe age, I cannot go through any harassment to set things right. It is not my fault; it is the Election Commission’s mistake. They should correct it and give me the enumeration form. Voting is my constitutional right.”
His son, Binoy Haldar, added, “My father is unwell. The election commission should not expect an 87-year-old man, suffering from various ailments, to fill up Form No. 6 again and appear for a hearing with documents. The Commission must take the necessary steps to ensure my father is not deprived of his constitutional right to vote.”