GPCC launches helpline to assist voters allegedly deleted from electoral rolls

Goa Khabar : In a decisive move to safeguard the democratic rights of citizens and counter the large-scale deletion of genuine voters from the electoral rolls, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) today launched a dedicated voter assistance helpline — 7875833833.

Addressing a press conference, GPCC Working President Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira, along with spokespersons Adv. Amit Palekar and Savio Coutinho, announced that the helpline will provide guidance and assistance to eligible voters whose names may have been deleted from the electoral rolls and help them restore their right to vote.

Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Goa was systematically misused to target non-BJP voters. Displaying documents and voter deletion lists reportedly prepared and submitted by BJP Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from Navelim Constituency, he stated that these lists sought the removal of large numbers of voters from the electoral rolls.

“When these actions were exposed by Savio Coutinho, one of the concerned BLAs immediately submitted a withdrawal letter. This indicates that such practices were not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern witnessed across constituencies in Goa,” Adv. Carlos said.

He further displayed orders issued by District Election Officers directing that certain voters’ names be retained on the electoral rolls. Despite such orders, several voters were allegedly being compelled to submit fresh Form-6 applications. Calling this a violation of established election procedures, Adv. Carlos warned that officials who fail to implement election authorities’ orders and act contrary to prescribed rules will be held accountable.

Speaking on the occasion, Savio Coutinho stated that inspired by the concerns repeatedly raised at the national level regarding voter list manipulation, he and his team began closely monitoring the SIR process in Goa from its very first day on 4 November 2025.

“From day one, we witnessed how the system was being manipulated. Every time we exposed irregularities, attempts were made to silence us, including the filing of false FIRs. Today, every conscious and democratic-minded Goan wants free and fair elections. Therefore, every voter must verify whether their name still exists on the electoral rolls,” Coutinho said.

He further alleged that BJP functionaries were assigned targets for deletion of non-BJP voters and questioned the repeated visits of senior BJP leader K. Annamalai to Goa during the SIR process, suggesting that serious questions need to be answered regarding the role played during the revision exercise.

Adv. Amit Palekar cited the example of St. Cruz Constituency, where nearly 20 percent of voters were reportedly removed from the electoral rolls during the SIR process.

“It is impossible to believe that such a large percentage of voters simply ceased to exist. Genuine residents and legitimate voters have been deleted, while several names of persons who no longer reside in government quarters continue to remain on the rolls. This raises serious concerns about the integrity and fairness of the revision process,” Palekar stated.

The Congress leaders appealed to all citizens to immediately verify their names on the electoral rolls and contact the GPCC helpline if they require assistance.

“Do not wait until polling day to discover that your constitutional right to vote has been taken away. Every vote matters. Every citizen deserves to be heard. The Congress Party stands committed to protecting the democratic rights of every Goan,” the leaders asserted.

The GPCC urged all affected voters to contact the helpline 7875833833 for guidance, support and assistance in ensuring their names are restored to the electoral rolls wherever necessary.