Electoral Roll Imbroglio: AAP Accuses Raghav Chadha of 'Backdated' Delhi Voter Registration Bid Amidst Punjab 'Shifted' Status Row

Chandigarh, India – A significant political dispute has intensified in Punjab, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launching a scathing counter-attack against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Raghav Chadha. The controversy centers on Chadha's voter registration status, specifically his name being flagged as 'shifted' in Punjab's draft Special Intensive Revision (SIR) electoral rolls, leading to accusations from AAP of an alleged attempt to secure backdated voter registration in Delhi.

Background Context & Core Allegations

The saga began with Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha expressing concern after his name appeared as 'shifted' in the draft electoral rolls for Punjab, despite being a sitting MP from the state with his voter ID registered in Mohali. He promptly accused the state government, particularly officials under AAP's administration, of politically motivated actions affecting the electoral process.

However, the AAP's Punjab unit swiftly moved to debunk Chadha's narrative, redirecting the blame and alleging a far more serious transgression on the MP's part. According to AAP, Chadha is attempting to secure voter registration in Delhi through a questionable backdated process, a claim they insist should be thoroughly investigated.

“Raghav Chadha has been caught attempting to get his voter registration made in Delhi through a backdated process, and is now attempting to put the entire blame on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Punjab government. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is conducted by the Election Commission, not the state government, so the Punjab Government has no role in deciding whose name is included or deleted from the electoral roll,” stated the AAP's Punjab unit in a release.

The party further emphasized that the responsibility of maintaining accurate voter registration lies with the individual. They highlighted that Chadha has been residing in Delhi and not in Punjab, suggesting that any change or deletion of his voter entry in Punjab would be a natural consequence of his relocation, not a political maneuver by the state government.

AAP's Call for Investigation & Electoral Integrity Concerns

The Aam Aadmi Party has not only denied culpability but has also called for a rigorous investigation into the alleged backdated voter registration attempt in Delhi. They claim to have received information from Election Commission sources indicating Chadha’s efforts to register in Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, using a backdated application.

“It is a matter of public record that Raghav Chadha has been living in Delhi and not in Punjab. If he no longer resides in Punjab, maintaining or shifting his voter registration was his own responsibility. He cannot now blame the AAP or the Punjab Government for the deletion of a voter entry,” the party asserted, adding, “If any such backdated or unlawful exercise has taken place, it must be investigated and the entire truth brought before the public. If the BJP or anyone else has facilitated any such backdated entry, we will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and expose the truth.”

This accusation raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the conduct of public representatives, prompting demands for transparency and accountability.

Raghav Chadha's Defense & Counter-Accusations

In response to AAP's allegations, Raghav Chadha's office vehemently denied any attempt to secure backdated voter registration in Delhi, terming the claims as false. Chadha maintained his position, reiterating that he is a sitting Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab and that his voter ID is legitimately registered in Mohali.

He argued that the marking of his name as 'shifted' in the draft electoral rolls was unwarranted and that he is actively pursuing remedies provided under the SIR guidelines. Chadha turned the tables on the AAP government, questioning their role in the process.

“Who marked me as ‘shifted’? An official of AAP’s Punjab Government. Who verified that classification? Again, an officer of AAP’s Punjab Government. Who processed it at a higher level? Once again, the same AAP’s Punjab Government official,” Chadha stated, emphasizing the chain of command.

He highlighted that from the Booth Level Officer (BLO) to the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab, every operational level of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is staffed by Punjab Government officials. He further cited Paragraph 4(d) of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Detailed Guidelines for SIR, which outlines a “protected list” for public representatives, judiciary members, and other prominent personalities, whose names are to be included in the Draft Electoral Rolls to allow for necessary document collection during the claims and objections period.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Process Explained

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 for all assembly constituencies in Punjab saw its draft electoral roll published on August 13th. This process is crucial for updating and rectifying voter lists. Citizens whose names do not appear in the draft electoral roll, or those who need corrections, are given a window to submit their claims, along with prescribed declarations and supporting documents, for inclusion. The current period for claims and objections runs from August 13th to September 12th.

Political Implications & Future Outlook

• Intensified Political Rivalry: The exchange of accusations underscores the heightened political rivalry between AAP and BJP, particularly concerning electoral integrity and public representation.
• Demand for Transparency: Both sides are calling for transparency, with AAP demanding an investigation into alleged backdated registration and Chadha questioning the process that led to his name being marked 'shifted'.
• Scrutiny on Electoral Processes: The controversy brings the functioning of the Special Intensive Revision and the roles of state government officials in electoral duties under sharp scrutiny.
• Potential Legal Ramifications: If AAP's allegations of unlawful backdated registration are proven true, it could lead to significant legal and political repercussions for those involved.

As the claims and objections period for the SIR continues, all eyes will be on the Election Commission and relevant authorities to clarify the facts and ensure the integrity of the electoral rolls. BharathINN will continue to monitor this developing story for further updates and official statements.