Dehradun: Former CM of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat, found himself unable to vote in the ongoing municipal elections as his name was missing from the voter list. This incident marks the first time that a former CM or a prominent leader has faced such an issue.
Rawat has consistently cast his vote from Dehradun’s Niranjanpur area since 2009, including during the 2022 Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha elections held earlier last year. Upon complaining to the State Election Commission, he was informed that the commission’s computer server was malfunctioning, preventing any resolution of the issue.
He alleged irregularities and criticized the BJP
Harish Rawat, a senior Congress leader and long-time resident of Dehradun, expressed his disappointment and frustration upon discovering that his name was not on the voter list. “I have been waiting since morning, but my name was not found at the polling station where I voted in the Lok Sabha election,” Rawat told the news agency PTI. He alleged irregularities and criticized the BJP, stating, “I should have been more alert, knowing that BJP is involved in adding and removing names from the voter list.”
VIDEO | Dehradun Municipal Elections: Congress leader Harish Rawat raises concerns over voting issues.
“I have been waiting since morning… but my name was not found at the polling station where I voted in the Lok Sabha elections. They are now searching for it… let’s see what… pic.twitter.com/ZnNKmaD00n
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 23, 2025
A senior leader like him should avoid such drama and cheap politics, says BJP
The BJP responded to Rawat’s allegations, with State President Mahendra Bhatt questioning Rawat’s awareness as a voter. Bhatt remarked that Rawat contests elections from various places, making it difficult for him to know where his vote is registered. “He contests elections from so many places that he does not know in which city or rural area his vote is. BJP’s victory is certain, so a senior leader like him should avoid such drama and cheap politics,” Bhatt quipped.
Harish is not an aware voter
Bhatt further criticized Rawat, stating that his search for his name on the day of voting shows his lack of awareness as a voter. “Actually, he does not even know where he is a voter. Because sometimes he contests elections from Haridwar, sometimes from Almora, and sometimes from Udham Singh Nagar. He does not even know whether he is a voter of a rural area or an urban area,” Bhatt added. Bhatt advised Rawat to become a more aware voter and ensure his vote in time. He also shared his own experience, mentioning that he is a voter from a rural area and would not be able to vote on the same day.
Bhatt expressed regret over Rawat’s actions, stating that engaging in cheap politics with pretentious and artificial drama does not suit a senior leader like him. He urged Rawat to avoid such behavior and set a positive example for his fellow Congress workers.
Municipal elections in Uttarakhand are being held across 11 municipal corporations
The municipal elections in Uttarakhand are being held across 11 municipal corporations, 43 municipal councils, and 46 Nagar Panchayats. Over 3 million voters are expected to participate, with 5,405 candidates contesting for various positions, including 72 for mayoral posts, 445 for municipal council chairperson positions, and 4,888 for municipal councillor seats2. The counting of votes will take place on January 25.
