By Admin 
In Junagadh, Gujarat, a political controversy has arisen over the attempt to remove the name of Padmashree awarded folk artist Haji Ramkadu from the voter list. During the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) process in the state, an objection was lodged in his name under Form-7. After this application the opposition has raised questions on the process.
Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, popularly known as Haji Ramkadu, is a famous folk musician from Gujarat. The 80-year-old artist is recognized in the country and abroad for his Dholak playing along with bhajans, sentiments, ghazals and qawwali.
Controversy arose after Padmashree award
Let us tell you that on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, it was announced that he would be awarded Padmashree. Meanwhile, an application came forward to remove his name from the voter list of Junagadh. This objection was filed through Form-7 under the ongoing SIR process in the state. The application claimed that Haji Ramkadu has been permanently transferred, hence his name should be removed from the voter list. This claim provoked a sharp reaction in political and cultural circles.
BJP councilor’s objection and Congress’s opposition
In this case, it is alleged that a local councilor of BJP raised this objection by filing Form-7. While Congress leaders opposed this move, they said that Haji Ramkadu has been living in Junagadh for decades and is an active citizen. Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi issued a statement saying that the attempt to remove the name of an artist who has given recognition to Gujarat, the country and the world through his art, from the voter list is worrying.
He demanded that the grounds of objection be reviewed and the entire process be investigated impartially. Congress says that such objection immediately after receiving the Padma Shri award raises questions on political intentions and is a serious issue related to democratic rights.
Such cases have come to light earlier also
Congress has refused to consider this controversy as an isolated incident. Manish Doshi told that earlier a similar challenge had come up in the case of Padmashree awarded comedian Shahabuddin Rathod. Rathod had said that Form-7 was filed in his name without his consent. He had clarified that without proper verification, no one’s voter registration can be cancelled.
According to election rules, objection to the deletion of a name can be made through Form-7, but it is the responsibility of the officials to verify the claims and give the person concerned an opportunity to respond. Congress alleges that during the SIR process, thousands of requests to remove names have come across the state. The party has demanded transparency and review on the alleged misuse of the objection process. However, the Chief Electoral Officer has not yet issued any public statement on this matter related to Haji Ramkadu.