The democratic exercise turned into a nightmare for many voters in the Khadakwasla segment of Baramati’s Lok Sabha constituency, as they encountered unexpected hurdles while attempting to cast their votes. Sachin Biramane, like many others, was stunned to discover that his name was inexplicably missing from the voters’ list, while the names of his deceased parents still lingered. This predicament wasn’t isolated to him alone but afflicted thousands throughout the area.
Expressing his frustration, a regular voter lamented, “I’ve participated in previous elections seamlessly. However, today, despite taking the necessary steps to remove my parents’ names from the list following their demise, I discovered their names persisted while mine vanished.” Such sentiments were echoed by another voter from Undri, who, along with his wife, made arrangements to vote but was disheartened to find their names conspicuously absent from the list.
The day unfolded with widespread confusion engulfing various polling stations scattered across Sinhagad Road, Vadgaon Budruk, Dhayari, Narhe, Ambegaon, Undri, and Katraj. Despite their earnestness to exercise their democratic right, many citizens found themselves disillusioned and disenfranchised due to the chaotic scenes and overcrowding witnessed at the polling stations.
An election official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, disclosed, “We’ve been inundated with over a hundred complaints this morning alone from individuals whose names were inexplicably omitted from the list.” The ramifications of these missing names extended beyond thwarted voters; they also impacted candidates who potentially lost out on crucial support.
Adding to the chorus of discontent, a retired government official expressed his dismay at discovering his name missing from the list. He vented, “Despite reaching out to various officials from the police and the election department, I received no satisfactory explanation nor resolution to the issue. Regrettably, I’ve been deprived of my voting rights, and I intend to pursue legal action against the authorities by filing an FIR.”
Meanwhile, a resident of Bavdhan shared her ordeal of finding her name mysteriously absent from the list, despite having exercised her voting rights in previous elections. The inexplicable omission of her name, juxtaposed with her husband’s inclusion, left her questioning the integrity of the electoral process.
The scenes of confusion and disappointment witnessed at the polling booths in Baramati’s Khadakwasla segment underscore the urgent need for electoral authorities to address systemic flaws and ensure the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process. As citizens demand accountability and recourse for their disenfranchisement, it remains imperative for authorities to take swift and decisive action to restore faith in the electoral system.
