EC sends notice to Shami brothers: voter registration issues spark controversy

Kolkata (The Uttam Hindu) : The troubles of fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who is out of the Indian cricket team, are showing no signs of abating. The Election Commission has summoned Mohammed Shami and his brother, cricketer Mohammed Kaif, for a Special Intensive Review (SIR). This process began on December 16th.

Notices were issued on Monday from the Cartju Nagar School in the Jadavpur area of ​​South Kolkata, ordering them to appear before the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer. Mohammed Shami could not appear for the hearing on time due to playing for West Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He is currently in Rajkot.

Shami wrote to the Election Commission explaining the reason for his absence. He wrote, "I am writing with reference to the notice received regarding my appearance at your office on January 5, 2026, in connection with the Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Rolls. I respectfully inform you that due to my current involvement in domestic cricket matches, officially representing the Bengal State Team, I will not be able to attend the scheduled hearing on the date and time mentioned."

Shami is registered as a voter in Kolkata Municipal Corporation Ward No. 93, which falls under the Rasbihari Assembly constituency. Originally from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Shami has been living in Kolkata for a long time. According to the Election Commission, Shami and his brother's names appeared on the list due to problems with the enumeration form. These problems are related to errors in progeny mapping and self-mapping. Shami's case is scheduled for hearing between January 9 and 11.

The final voter list for poll-bound Bengal will be published on February 14. Over 5.8 million names have been deleted from the SIR draft roll published in December.