Amin Patel Petitions ECI to Protect Voting Rights of Relocated Mumbai Residents
Congress MLA Amin Patel has petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) to protect the voting rights of Mumbai residents who have been temporarily relocated due to urban redevelopment projects.
The petition, submitted during the ongoing Enumeration and Special Intensive Revision (SIR), aims to prevent the potential mass disenfranchisement of thousands of Mumbaikars currently living in transit camps or temporary accommodations.
In a formal letter sent to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Patel, who is also the Deputy Leader of the Party in the Legislative Assembly, expressed strong apprehensions about the ongoing revision process. He noted that genuine voters residing in temporary rented accommodations or transit camps could be completely wiped off the electoral rolls.
Patel explained that a massive number of old and dilapidated cesses and buildings across Mumbai are currently undergoing structural overhauls. These redevelopments are being driven by the state government, private developers, and housing societies, forcing original tenants to move into temporary setups in neighbouring pockets.
Most of these redevelopment projects are expected to be wrapped up within the next two years. After the completion of the work, the displaced residents are scheduled to return to their original premises.
However, because these displaced citizens lack a permanent address at their current transit locations, they face an administrative gridlock. They are unable to update or change the address recorded on their Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC).
This situation has triggered panic among the displaced residents, who fear their names will be deleted by booth level officers during the door-to-door verification drives of the ongoing Enumeration and Special Intensive Revision.
Demanding immediate relief, Patel urged the top poll body to issue clear directives to ensure that these voters are retained on the electoral rolls with reference to their original residential addresses. He stated that steps must be taken to ensure genuine voters are not deprived of their franchise, calling for strict instructions to secure their place on the layout of the city's voter base.
