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West Bengal polls: 104-year-old voter casts ballot after name fixed on electoral list in Jamalpur
A 104-year-old man, Ibrahim, voted in Jamalpur after his name appeared on the first supplementary voters’ list following scrutiny of documents. The EC had flagged a discrepancy between older and newer voter lists, but local administration arranged transport and a wheelchair for him. He voted with his son's assistance, expressing happiness at exercising his franchise and questioning why his name was previously removed.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the importance of accurate electoral rolls, the participation of elderly voters, and the role of local administration in facilitating access to voting.
Timeline
3 Events
104-year-old voter votes with transport aid after adjudication delay
April 29, 2026
Despite the delay, the East Burdwan administration provided Ibrahim with a vehicle and a wheelchair to travel to the Jamalpur polling booth in the Jamalpur assembly constituency. He voted with support from his son, Sk Bagbul Islam. The delay meant he missed the EC's vote-from-home window for 85-plus citizens. Ibrahim expressed happiness at voting, questioned why his name had been removed, and noted his long history of voting since Independence. His family reported that five members were included on the first supplementary list, and Ibrahim remains sharp and engaged with daily routines such as reading, diary-keeping, and health records.
First supplementary list includes Ibrahim after document scrutiny
March 2026
After days of anxiety, Ibrahim's name appeared on the first supplementary voters' list following scrutiny of documents. Five family members were reported as included on the list, with assistance from the BLO in submitting required papers.
February 28, 2026 final voters' list released with adjudication flag on Ibrahim's name
February 28, 2026
The Election Commission published the final voters' list on Feb 28, 2026. Ibrahim's name was placed under adjudication due to a discrepancy: he appeared as Sk Ibrahim on the 2002 voters' list and as Ibrahim Sk on the 2025 roll, causing distress to him and his family.