Rahul Gandhi says 727 of 728 voters removed in Bela Estate; Election Commission explains deletions

# What happened

Commission responded with a technical explanation. It said many electors in that area had their addresses recorded as 'agriculture' and that agricultural activity, including illegal cultivation, stopped in 2021. Dwelling units were demolished in 2022–23 and the physical and residential status of the area changed. As a result, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) placed those electors on the ASDD (absent, shifted, dead or duplicate) list following SIR instructions.

# What the Election Commission said

The EC outlined the administrative steps behind the deletions and the remedies available to affected voters. Key points in the EC statement:

• Addresses logged as 'agriculture' and few house numbers meant the area's status required reassessment.
• Because demolitions and cessation of agricultural activity changed residency patterns, affected electors were listed as ASDD.
• Electors whose names do not appear on the roll can apply for inclusion if they meet eligibility under Section 19 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

• The EC listed forms and routes for applications: Form 6 (new enrolment), Form 6A (Overseas Indian), Form 7 (objection/deletion requests), Form 8 (change of residence, corrections, EPIC replacement). Applications can go to the ERO/AERO, BLOs, or designated polling-station locations.

# Political response and context

Rahul Gandhi framed the deletions as "vote chori" (vote theft) and posted video in which he presses a sub-divisional magistrate and warns of consequences. He referenced a previous comment by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar about "House Number 0" for the homeless. The Congress party has demanded the CEC's resignation and called for a broader response.

# Practical steps for affected residents

• If your name is missing and you believe you are eligible to vote, you can apply under Section 19 using Form 6 for new enrolment.
• Other relevant forms: Form 6A (Overseas), Form 7 (objection or deletion-related queries), Form 8 (shifting/corrections/EPIC replacement).
• Application window cited by the EC: August 31 to September 30, 2026. Check with the local ERO/AERO or BLO for submission locations and support.

# How this fits into a wider pattern

Delhi and other states. Reports cited elsewhere show large numbers of deletions and disputes over pre-SIR mapping phases. Political mobilisation and legal challenges have followed in multiple places.