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Chadha, who previously represented AAP before switching to the BJP earlier this year, has accused the Punjab administration of orchestrating a targeted act of political vendetta
AAP representatives countered Chadha’s statements, asserting that voter list management falls squarely under the jurisdiction of independent poll authorities. (File photo)
A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Punjab following the deletion of Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha lawmaker Raghav Chadha’s name from the state’s draft electoral rolls. Chadha, who previously represented the Aam Aadmi Party before switching allegiance to the BJP earlier this year, has accused the ruling AAP administration of orchestrating a targeted act of political vendetta.
The controversy emerged when the Election Commission published the updated draft rolls under its Special Intensive Revision exercise. Chadha’s name appeared on the list of entries flagged under the Absent, Shifted, Deceased, and Duplicate category, with officials marking his status as “permanently shifted”.
Allegations of Direct Interference
Chadha strongly refuted the classification, pointing out that Election Commission guidelines mandate that sitting Members of Parliament should be retained on the draft rolls even if flags are raised, allowing necessary verification during the public window. He asserted that the omission was a deliberate breach of procedural norms, alleging that the state government manipulated the process to target political opponents.
Highlighting that he had previously cast his vote from SAS Nagar (Mohali) during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after shifting his voter base from Delhi, Chadha stated he would formally raise objections to ensure his name is restored in the final electoral roll.
Government and AAP Push Back
Rejecting the claims, senior Punjab administration officials clarified that the revision process is managed entirely by the Election Commission of India through the Chief Electoral Officer, leaving no scope for state government intervention.
AAP representatives countered Chadha’s statements, asserting that voter list management falls squarely under the jurisdiction of independent poll authorities. The party maintained that Chadha primarily resides in Delhi, making the maintenance or transfer of his voter credentials an individual responsibility rather than a government affair.
High Stakes and Statutory Rules
Under Indian election laws, maintaining an active entry on an electoral roll anywhere in the country is a key prerequisite for retaining a seat in Parliament. While draft roll exclusions do not immediately affect legislative status, affected electors have a statutory one-month window—running through mid-September—to submit claims and file for reinstatement before the final lists are published. With the timeline underway, both political camps continue to trade barbs over executive oversight and procedural compliance.
Quick Answers
Ask News18It is not yet confirmed whether Raghav Chadha’s name will be restored to Punjab’s voter rolls. His name was removed from the draft electoral rolls after being flagged as “permanently shifted”. Chadha has stated that he will formally raise objections to have his name restored in the final electoral roll. Under the state’s revision rules, a voter whose name has been removed can claim it back by submitting Form 6.
Ask News18About the Author
Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He tra…Read More
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