BJD seeks 30-day extension of SIR claims & objections period amid floods

Bhubaneswar, Aug 20 (AHN) In view of the extraordinary flood and continuous heavy rainfall situation prevailing across several parts of Odisha, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has submitted a memorandum to State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) R.S. Gopalan demanding further extension of the claims and objections period under Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by at least 30 days beyond August 19.

In the memorandum, the regional party on Wednesday drew the attention of the Odisha CEO, to an earlier representation submitted by it on July 30, seeking an extension of the claims and objections period by at least 30 days.

The party highlighted the enormous workload pending at various levels, the large number of notices and cases requiring hearings and verification, and the need to provide adequate opportunity to electors, political parties and Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

The party also said that the circumstances have now become even more challenging, with the ongoing floods and continuous heavy rainfall affecting several parts of the state.

The party thanked the Election Commission of India (ECI) for extending the claims and objections period in Odisha from the initial deadline of August 4 to August 19.

"While we appreciate the extension already granted, the prevailing natural calamity in Odisha has substantially affected the ability of thousands of electors, BLAs and election officials to undertake the necessary verification and submission of claims and objections," the BJD said.

The party also noted that several districts are facing heavy rainfall, flooding, waterlogging, disrupted road communication and displacement, with people focused on safety, evacuation and relief.

In such circumstances, expecting electors to visit BLOs, ERO/AERO offices or designated centres and complete the electoral procedures within the present deadline is neither practical nor equitable.

According to the regional party, the issue is particularly serious as the claims and objections stage safeguards against the wrongful exclusion of eligible electors.

It said no genuine elector should lose the right to inclusion, correction or restoration in the electoral roll due to a natural calamity preventing timely submission of a claim or objection.

The party reiterated its earlier concerns over the substantial volume of cases requiring verification and disposal.

"In such a situation, closing the claims & objections process on August 19, despite the continuing disruption caused by flood and heavy rainfall, may result in genuine electors being deprived of a meaningful opportunity to protect their electoral rights," the party added.

The BJD urged the Odisha CEO to extend the Claims and Objections period under SIR by 30 days beyond August 19 and seek ECI approval in the larger public interest.

It also sought adequate facilitation and special outreach for electors in flood-affected and inaccessible areas, along with wide publicity of the extended deadline.