Raghav Chadha Alleges 'Vendetta' as His Name Is Marked 'Shifted' in Punjab Draft Voter List
BJP MP Raghav Chadha alleges Punjab's AAP government marked him as a 'shifted' voter in draft rolls, calling it political vendetta.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of using the electoral process for political vendetta after his name was classified as "shifted" in the state's draft voter list. The list was released following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Chadha, who is registered as a voter in Mohali, said the classification was not a clerical error but part of a deliberate political attack. He joined the BJP in April this year along with six other former AAP Rajya Sabha MPs.
In a post on social media, Chadha pointed out that he is a sitting MP from Punjab and questioned how his name could be marked as shifted. He alleged that officials at various levels of the electoral machinery—from Booth Level Officers to District Election Officers—are employees of the Punjab government. He argued that these officials could face pressure because their transfers and postings are controlled by the state administration.
Chadha also cited the Election Commission of India's guidelines for the SIR, specifically Paragraph 4(d). He said this provision requires the names of public representatives, including MPs and MLAs, to be included in the draft rolls even if flagged, to allow for the claims and objections process. He alleged this rule was "wilfully violated" in his case.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra said she was not aware of any deletion of Chadha's name. She stated she would seek a detailed report from district authorities to ascertain the facts. Mitra noted that the claims and objections process is ongoing, with September 13 as the deadline for filing appeals.
AAP leader Neel Garg rejected Chadha's allegations, claiming the BJP was behind the controversy. He referenced similar SIR exercises in other states and questioned the BJP's motives.
The dispute has sharpened the political battle between AAP and the BJP ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication in October 2026.