World Cup winner Richa Ghosh's name marked ‘Under Adjudication’ in voter list after SIR, local leaders slam EC

The inclusion of Indian women’s cricket star and World Cup winner Richa Ghosh, along with her sister Shomasree Ghosh, in the ‘Under Adjudication’ category of the voter list has sparked a major political controversy in Siliguri. The status implies that their residency or eligibility is currently under question, a development that has left both the family and local political leaders fuming. Richa’s father, Manabendra Ghosh, explained that while his daughter remains away for most of the year due to international cricket commitments, the required documents were submitted online by the Booth Level Officer (BLO) during the verification process. Despite these efforts, the issue remains unresolved in the final list.

Local political representatives have been quick to condemn the move, calling it a mark of administrative failure. Ward No. 19 Councillor Mousumi Hazra visited the Ghosh residence on Sunday, labeling the situation as "shameful." She questioned how an international athlete who represents India on the global stage could have her citizenship or residency credentials questioned. Hazra warned that if the situation is not rectified immediately, a protest march to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) office will be organized on Monday to demand answers.

Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb also stepped into the fray, describing the incident as a glaring example of negligence by the Election Commission. He stated that Richa Ghosh is the pride of Siliguri and the nation, and such treatment is unacceptable. Deb further alleged that the Commission is acting under the influence of the central government, adding that the Trinamool Congress leadership has been formally briefed on the matter to take further action at a higher level.