In a surprising turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised allegations against Delhi Mayor Mahesh Khichi, claiming that his wife has been registered as a voter under two different names—Mamta and Nidhi—at the same address. The controversy has sparked a political debate, with the BJP demanding legal action and a thorough investigation into the matter.
The issue came to light when BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor wrote a letter to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Friday, urging him to take legal action against the mayor for what the BJP claims is a case of dual voter registration, which is a violation of election laws.
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The Allegations
According to the BJP, Mayor Mahesh Khichi’s wife has been listed twice in the voter rolls under the Karol Bagh assembly constituency, both times at the same address—F-12, Nehru Nagar. The two entries reportedly use different names, Mamta and Nidhi, but share the same photograph, raising questions about the legitimacy of the registrations.
In his letter to the Lieutenant Governor, Kapoor stated:
“It has come to my knowledge that the Mayor Mahesh Khichi, who resides in a small house in Nehru Nagar, is listed in the voter list of Part 40 under the Karol Bagh assembly constituency. The voter list also includes two women as his wife, registered under the names Mamta and Nidhi, with the same photo.”
Kapoor further alleged that such dual registration is illegal and called for an inquiry into the matter. He emphasized that if the two names refer to the same person, it constitutes a violation of election laws and must be addressed immediately.
Mayor Mahesh Khichi’s Response
Responding to the allegations, Mayor Mahesh Khichi denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the issue was likely a clerical error. Speaking to news agency PTI, he said:
“I only have one wife, Nidhi. We don’t know who Mamta is or how she is registered at my address. It must be a clerical mistake on their part. The Election Commission should look into it and make the necessary corrections.”
Khichi also revealed that he was unaware of the anomaly until it was flagged by the BJP. He added that he had been informed that there might be other individuals registered at his address, further complicating the situation.
“In fact, I am told there could be more individuals registered at my address. I will approach the Election Commission to get it corrected,” he said.
BJP’s Broader Allegations
This incident is part of a larger accusation by the BJP against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), of which Mayor Mahesh Khichi is a member. On Thursday, the BJP alleged that several AAP leaders had dual voter registrations, claiming that this was a deliberate attempt to manipulate voter rolls.
The BJP has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the voter lists to identify and rectify any irregularities. Kapoor’s letter to the Lieutenant Governor is seen as part of this broader campaign to highlight alleged discrepancies in the electoral process.
The Legal Implications of Dual Voter Registration
Dual voter registration is a serious offense under Indian election laws. According to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, an individual cannot be registered as a voter in more than one constituency or under multiple identities. Violations can lead to legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
If the allegations against Mayor Khichi’s wife are proven true, it could have significant legal and political ramifications. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to investigate the matter and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is found.
The Role of the Election Commission
The Election Commission plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of voter rolls. In cases of alleged discrepancies, the ECI is responsible for conducting inquiries, verifying the authenticity of voter registrations, and making necessary corrections.
In this case, the mayor has stated that he will approach the Election Commission to address the issue and ensure that the voter list is updated accurately. The ECI’s response to the allegations will be critical in determining the outcome of this controversy.
Conclusion
The allegations of dual voter registration against Delhi Mayor Mahesh Khichi’s wife have added a new layer of controversy to the city’s political landscape. While the BJP has called for legal action and a thorough investigation, the mayor has dismissed the claims as a clerical error and pledged to work with the Election Commission to resolve the issue.
As the Election Commission looks into the matter, the incident highlights the importance of maintaining accurate and transparent voter rolls to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. Whether this is a case of genuine error or deliberate malpractice, the outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for both the individuals involved and the broader political narrative in Delhi.
For now, all eyes are on the Election Commission to take swift and decisive action to address the allegations and ensure that the voter list is free from discrepancies.
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FAQs
1. What is dual voter registration, and why is it illegal?
Dual voter registration occurs when an individual is registered as a voter in more than one constituency or under multiple identities. This is illegal under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, as it undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Violators can face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
2. What steps can be taken to address discrepancies in voter rolls?
Discrepancies in voter rolls can be addressed by:
Filing a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Conducting a thorough verification of voter registrations.
Removing duplicate or fraudulent entries from the voter list.
Educating voters about the importance of accurate registration and the consequences of violations.
