The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has requested a 30-day extension for filing claims and objections regarding the draft electoral roll in Odisha [1].
The request comes amid concerns that severe weather and infrastructure failures could disenfranchise thousands of voters. If the deadline remains unchanged, citizens in flood-affected regions may be unable to rectify errors in the voter registry before the final roll is locked.
The party asked election officials to move the current deadline of Aug. 19, 2024 [1], to Sept. 18, 2024 [1]. This 30-day window is intended to provide sufficient time for electors to protect their voting rights [1].
According to the BJD, the Summary of Issues Report (SIR) has already resulted in the removal of 20.12 lakh electors from the draft roll [2]. The party said these removals contain major discrepancies that require a thorough review process [2].
Ongoing flood disruptions across the state have hampered communication and travel. The BJD said these conditions prevent genuine electors from accessing the necessary offices to lodge their objections, or verify their status on the list [1].
The party maintains that a fair electoral process requires that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to challenge the removal of their name. Without the extension, the BJD said the risk of mass disenfranchisement increases for those in the most vulnerable geographic areas [1].
“BJD requested a 30-day extension”
The removal of over two million names from a draft electoral roll represents a significant shift in the voter base. By linking the need for an extension to natural disasters, the BJD is positioning the issue as a matter of fundamental civil rights rather than a purely political dispute over voter registration.
