Pune: Voters In Wagholi Being Denied Their Voting Rights? Serious Allegations By WACO Welfare Association Against Shirur Election Office

While the government regularly conducts awareness campaigns to encourage maximum voter participation, the situation in Wagholi tells a different story. According to the Wagholi Against Corruption and Oppression (WACO) Welfare Association, hundreds of voter ID applications from Wagholi residents are being repeatedly and systematically rejected by the Shirur Election Office. In a press conference, the association claimed that this "is a serious threat to the democratic process and an intentional attempt to disenfranchise citizens."

Speaking on the matter, WACO President Anil Kumar Mishra stated that over the past 4–5 months, citizens from Wagholi have submitted Form 6 (for new voter registration) and Form 8 (for corrections or address changes). "However, without providing any valid reasons, the applications are being redirected to the Shirur Tehsil Office for in-person verification. This office is located approximately 50 km away from Wagholi, making it extremely difficult for many, especially senior citizens, women and working professionals, to travel and appear in person. As a result, a large number of applications are being arbitrarily rejected," he said.

"Despite Wagholi residents regularly paying all types of government taxes, charges and cesses for the past 15 years, the area continues to lack basic civic amenities. Many residents have migrated from various parts of Maharashtra and other Indian states and have settled permanently in Wagholi," Mishra said.

"The primary duty of election officers is to spread awareness about voting, ensure all eligible citizens are included in the voter list, and protect their right to vote. However, compelling people to travel 50 km for verification, even when applications are legally submitted, amounts to a violation of constitutional rights. In reality, such verification processes should be conducted locally in Wagholi or nearby areas. This not only results in wastage of time and money but, more importantly, deprives citizens of their fundamental right to vote," he added.

The association also raised serious questions about whether election officials are working under external pressure.

WACO Welfare Association's Demands:

- Immediate inquiry into the Shirur Election Office’s procedures.

- Local verification facilities to be established in Wagholi.

- Introduction of alternative methods such as video calls or digital verification.

- Review and approval of unjustly rejected applications.

WACO warns ...

The WACO Welfare Association has warned that if this practice is not stopped immediately, it could lead to discontent and protests among the affected citizens.

"If the Shirur Election Department fails to initiate appropriate action on these serious complaints within a week's time, we will be compelled to escalate the matter to the District Collector and the District Election Office. If necessary, we will also organise a peaceful and constitutional protest to safeguard the fundamental voting rights of the common citizens of Wagholi," Mishra concluded.