Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the issue of ‘Doubtful’ (D) voters among Bengali Hindus would be resolved soon, projecting near resolution by next year. He noted a significant decline in their numbers from around 200,000 five years ago to about 25,000 currently, mainly due to successful challenges in tribunals proving citizenship through 1971 refugee camp certificates. He reaffirmed the legal position that anyone who entered India before 1971 is 100% Indian, a crucial factor in reducing D-voter classifications. Sarma emphasized that this signified a turning point, showing that justice is being served through the legal system.
The “D voter” classification was introduced in Assam in 1997 to flag those whose citizenship was doubtful during electoral roll preparations. These individuals, mainly from Bengali Hindu and Muslim communities, were barred from voting until their citizenship was verified by Foreigners Tribunals. Over the years, legal processes and court rulings progressively clarified citizenship issues, reducing uncertainty and the number of D-voters statewide.
Political leaders like Panchayat Minister Ranjit Dass have assured Hindu D-voters, including those from Koch Rajbongshi and Bengali communities, that their citizenship rights are protected under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which ensures citizenship for those entering India before December 31, 2014. Officials have emphasized continuing government support against opposition resistance and underlined that Hindu D-voters have nothing to fear regarding citizenship.
These excerpts collectively illustrate the recent progress, legal clarifications, political assurances, and ongoing challenges shaping the situation of Bengali Hindu D-voters in Assam
