Raghav Chadha Alleges Political Vendetta Over Punjab Voter List Removal

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has claimed that his name was deleted from the draft voter list in Punjab during a special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Chadha, who joined the BJP after splitting from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in April, stated that he was marked as shifted from his registered address in Mohali. He alleged that this action constitutes political vendetta by the AAP government, claiming that state officers deleted his name because the government controls their careers. Chadha cited poll panel guidelines stating that public representatives should be included in draft rolls to allow for the collection of necessary documents during claims and objections periods.

The Aam Aadmi Party denied these allegations, stating that the voter roll revision is the responsibility of the Election Commission and that the state government has no role in deciding whose name is deleted. The party further asserted that Chadha lives in Delhi rather than Punjab, making the maintenance of his registration his own responsibility. AAP also alleged that Chadha attempted to transfer his registration to Delhi through a backdated process and called for an investigation.

Outlets with a center left lean focused on the clash between the MP and the party regarding the controversy and the applicable rules. An outlet with a left lean provided more extensive detail on Chadha's transition to the BJP and highlighted broader concerns that the revision process could eliminate genuine voters to shape electoral outcomes.