A letter issued by the Special Branch to all Deputy Superintendents of Police deputed with the Special Branch seeking caste-wise number and percentage of voters in all 14 Lok Sabha constituencies of the State has raised the political temperature in the state.
The letter says, “In the light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, there is a need for the current geographical condition and political scenario (detailed) of the parliamentary constituency and the district-wise caste number and percentage of voters.”
It has further asked the DSPs to submit the desired data to the Special Branch through e-mail within two days of receiving the letter, which was issued on April 3.
Senior police officers said that garnering such data was a “practice” in the State and it is required for the law enforcing authorities for poll preparedness. They said that the data is kept confidential and there is no question of misuse of it by any non-administrative entity.
Meanwhile, officers in charge of conducting elections said that caste-wise data cannot be sought as per the model code of conduct. Speaking to the media Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand said that it’s a case of MCC violation and strict action will be taken in the matter as caste-wise voter data cannot be sought under any circumstances.
Notably, the Election Commission of India has said that no appeal shall be made based on caste/communal feelings of the electors in one of its recent press releases.
The ruling JMM-Congress-RJD coalition in Jharkhand has advocated caste census in the State on several occasions. However, no action on the ground has been taken for it.
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