A group of opposition political parties in Assam on Thursday filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Dispur Police Station, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to manipulate the voters’ list through what they described as a “planned and deliberate” exercise during the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls.
Leaders from several opposition parties reached Dispur Police Station in the morning and submitted a written complaint seeking registration of a criminal case under relevant sections of the law. The FIR alleges that the Special Revision process is being misused to delete the names of voters believed to be supporters of opposition parties across a large number of Assembly constituencies in the state.
According to the complaint, the issue came into the public domain after a sitting MLA from the opposition claimed on January 7 that the Bharatiya Janata Party had prepared a plan to delete voters’ names in as many as 60 Assembly constituencies. The opposition leaders alleged that these steps were not random administrative actions but part of a coordinated political strategy. 
The FIR further claims that the instructions for the alleged deletions were discussed at a meeting involving senior BJP leaders. The opposition has named the state BJP president and a senior minister in connection with the alleged meeting, which was reportedly held through video conferencing earlier this month. The complainants have demanded that the video conference footage be immediately secured and preserved, stating that it contains crucial evidence.
Calling the matter “extremely serious,” opposition leaders said the alleged actions strike at the very foundation of democracy. “Deleting genuine voters from the rolls is not a small mistake. It directly affects free and fair elections,” one leader said outside the police station. He added that the Special Revision process must remain neutral and transparent, and not be influenced by any political party.
In the FIR, the opposition has described the alleged move as a “larger conspiracy” aimed at weakening the electoral strength of rival parties ahead of future elections. They have urged the police to register a case and begin an immediate investigation so that public confidence in the electoral system is not eroded.
A press intimation issued earlier in the day informed media persons that the FIR would be filed on January 9 at 10 am. The note stated that the complaint was being filed against what the opposition termed as “vote chori” or vote theft, allegedly carried out in connivance with officials during the Special Revision of the voters’ list. Media presence was requested to ensure public awareness of the issue.
Speaking to reporters, Gaurav Gogoi said the controversy around the voters’ list needs to be seen in a broader context. “There have been many discussions over the last few months. Now, suddenly, the focus has shifted to reports of a Zoom meeting and alleged plans to remove voters’ names,” Gogoi said. He claimed that repeated attempts were being made to create divisions among people by raising doubts about the electoral process. “This is dangerous for democracy,” he added.
Gogoi further said that elections should unite people, not divide them. “If voters begin to feel that their names can be removed without reason, they will lose faith in the system. That is why this issue cannot be taken lightly,” he said, adding that the opposition would continue to raise the matter at all levels.
The complaint also urges the authorities to ensure that the ongoing revision process is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. The opposition has demanded strict action against anyone found guilty, regardless of their position or political affiliation.
