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Thiruvananthapuram, November 21 (IANS) Youth Congress state general secretary Veena S. Nair on Friday lodged a formal complaint with the Kerala Election Commission, seeking disciplinary action against the officials allegedly responsible for illegally removing the name of UDF candidate Vaishna SL from the voter list of Muttada ward of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
24-year-old Vaishna then approached the Kerala High Court, which, after hearing her plea, directed the authorities concerned to reconsider, and warned that if her name was not included in the list, the court would use the special powers vested in it to take necessary action.
Only after this strict instruction was Vaishna’s name included and she resumed her election campaign.
In her complaint, Veena Nair has accused the officials concerned – Electoral Registration Officer and Hearing Officer GR Pratapachandran and Karthika GM – of serious procedural lapses and suspected partisan misconduct.
According to the Election Commission order, the authorities removed Vaishna’s name only on the basis of the objection petition, without giving her an opportunity to present her case, in violation of the principles of natural justice.
The order said that during the hearing held on November 12, 2025, neither the complainant nor any supporting evidence was produced to prove the claim that Vaishna was not a resident of the ward.
However, instead of rejecting the objection, another opportunity was given, and officials removed his name the very next day – a move described as “one-sided and unfair”.
Despite producing several proof of residence documents including EPIC card, Aadhaar, driving license, passport and bank passbook, all showing her permanent address in Sudha Bhawan, Muttada, the documents were allegedly ignored in the verification process.
Veena’s petition alleged that officials relied on a clerk’s report without adequate investigation or justification.
He argued that the Election Commission guidelines clearly state that a person whose identity and address can be properly confirmed is eligible to remain in the electoral roll.
“Removing the name of a legally registered voter without valid grounds is not only a grave dereliction of duty but also a direct attack on the democratic structure,” the complaint said.
It demands investigation and exemplary action to prevent such incidents in future.
The issue has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging that there were deliberate efforts to disrupt the candidature of Congress-led UDF contestants in key wards.
It is expected that the Commission will investigate the complaint in the coming days.
–IANS
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