A fresh political controversy has erupted in Punjab after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha alleged that his name was marked as “shifted” in the state’s draft electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Chadha, who represents Punjab in the Rajya Sabha, questioned how his voter record in Mohali was classified as shifted. He alleged that the action amounted to political vendetta by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government, particularly after his move from AAP to the BJP.
What Raghav Chadha Alleged
Chadha argued that as a sitting Member of Parliament from Punjab, his name should have remained included in the draft electoral roll even if it had been flagged during the verification process. He cited Election Commission instructions concerning public representatives and alleged that the relevant provision was “wilfully violated” in his case.
The BJP leader also questioned the role of officials involved in the verification process, alleging that their postings and transfers could make them vulnerable to political pressure.
AAP Rejects the Allegations
The Aam Aadmi Party has strongly rejected Chadha’s accusations. AAP said the SIR is conducted by the Election Commission, not the Punjab government, and maintained that the state administration has no role in deciding whose name is included or removed from the electoral rolls.
The party also questioned Chadha’s voter registration status, claiming that he has been residing in Delhi and suggesting that maintaining or shifting his voter registration was his responsibility. AAP has further alleged that he attempted to restore his Delhi voter registration through a backdated process.
Why the Controversy Matters
The dispute comes amid a large-scale electoral roll revision in Punjab, making the controversy politically sensitive.
At this stage, the competing claims remain allegations from opposing political sides. The draft nature of the electoral roll also means that the issue can still be addressed through the prescribed electoral-roll correction process.
The larger concern is whether electoral-roll revisions are being carried out transparently and consistently, particularly when prominent political figures are involved.
For Punjab politics, the Raghav Chadha voter-roll controversy adds another flashpoint to the increasingly bitter AAP-BJP confrontation.
The final electoral roll and the Election Commission’s handling of Chadha’s objection will be crucial in determining whether the episode remains a political dispute or develops into a wider debate over electoral administration and accountability.
