Opposition cites former ‘The Telegraph’ editor Rajagopal's passport, voter roll ordeal to target Centre

In recent developments, the Indian opposition has drawn attention to the plight of R. Rajagopal, a former editor of *The Telegraph*, whose passport renewal was delayed due to complications stemming from his exclusion from West Bengal’s electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This incident has become a focal point for criticism against the central government, with opposition parties accusing authorities of undermining citizens' rights. Rajagopal’s situation highlights broader concerns regarding the SIR process, which has led to the removal of millions of voters from the electoral rolls in West Bengal.

Rajagopal recounted his experience in detail, explaining how the deletion of his name from the electoral rolls triggered a series of bureaucratic hurdles. He noted that despite submitting necessary documentation, including his matriculation certificate, he encountered delays in his passport renewal. The adverse police report linked to his absence from the electoral rolls has stalled the process, leaving him in a state of "civic uncertainty." Rajagopal emphasized that his intent was not to present himself as a victim but to draw attention to the struggles faced by ordinary citizens affected by similar circumstances.

The political response to Rajagopal’s ordeal has been swift and significant. Opposition leaders have criticized the government for its handling of the SIR exercise, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend of eroding civil liberties. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha expressed concern over the implications of such actions, questioning whether India is moving away from the rule of law established by its founding fathers. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose echoed these sentiments, describing Rajagopal’s account as both shocking and heart-rending. She highlighted the disparity between the experiences of individuals like Rajagopal and those with fewer resources, emphasizing the potential impact on marginalized communities.

CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby accused the SIR process of being a tool for disenfranchisement, aligning it with the BJP’s divisive Hindutva agenda. He pointed out that the CPI(M) had previously warned about the consequences of the SIR exercise, particularly its effect on the poor and vulnerable. The SIR initiative, aimed at updating electoral rolls, has indeed sparked widespread debate and legal challenges, with many arguing that the process lacks transparency and fairness.

Recent updates indicate that Rajagopal’s passport has finally been renewed after a second police verification. According to a senior official familiar with the matter, the police issued a favorable report, allowing the passport to proceed through the final stages. Rajagopal’s case is not unique; a senior police officer mentioned encountering at least 17 similar instances where adverse reports were generated due to the absence of names from the SIR. These cases involve individuals living at the same addresses listed on their original passports, indicating a procedural inconsistency within the verification process.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the broader implications of the SIR exercise. With around nine million names removed from the electoral rolls, the outcome of the remaining cases will significantly influence the upcoming assembly elections. The Supreme Court has mandated the establishment of appellate tribunals to review these cases, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected. However, the resolution of these issues will require sustained efforts to ensure fair treatment and uphold democratic principles. As the legal battles continue, the experiences of individuals like Rajagopal serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding citizens' rights in the face of administrative challenges.