Over 1.30 lakh duplicate entries in Manipur’s electoral rolls: CM N Biren Singh

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live editor-in-chief Wasbir Hussain, the CM said that the govt will undertake an intensive revision of the voters’ lists.

In a big revelation, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on Saturday that there are over 1.30 lakh duplicate entries in the electoral rolls of Manipur.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live editor-in-chief Wasbir Hussain, the Chief Minister said that he and his officers noticed abnormal increase in the number of entries in the voter lists in many places. This prompted him to review the rolls.

“In the initial review we found around 1.30 lakh duplicate names. One person is included in electoral rolls from 6 different places. The photo is same but the names are different,” the CM said adding that he has now asked his officers to identify such people and the area where he or she belongs so that the duplicates are deleted from the electoral rolls.

Asked if the government will undertake an intensive revision of the electoral rolls of the state, the CM said, “Exactly. We are going to do it through proper channel with the support and guidance of the Election Commission of India. We are also going to use some sophisticated equipment, data so that we can detect all the forgeries”.

The CM mentioned that the abnormal increase in the voter lists have been noticed since past 5-10 years. “Accordingly, I asked the state election commission and the Census office to detect if there is any foul play. I found foul play. Therefore, I am doing this exercise,” the CM said.

He said that while Assam is facing illegal migrants primarily from Bangladesh, Manipur is facing illegal migrants from Bangladesh as well as Myanmar. CM Singh added that it is not just illegal entries from the neighbouring countries which are featuring in the voter lists, duplicities are happening from within the state too.

The CM took a meeting of the DCs, SDOs and election returning officers in Imphal today to review the electoral rolls.

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