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No ‘legacy’ needed: How CAA certificates are bridging voter registration gap for Matuas in West Bengal

The BJP supports this move, saying it is a victory for refugee rights, while the TMC raises questions about the necessity of this measure.

2 min readKolkataDec 28, 2025 04:05 PM IST

As per the rule, voters are typically required to show a "linkage" to the 2002 electoral rolls, either through their own name or a family member's record. (file)

The Election Commission of India (ECI)’s decision to recognise citizenship certificates issued under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as valid documentation for voter registration will be beneficial for the Matua community in West Bengal.

Following the release of the draft electoral list after Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Matuas who have recently secured citizenship may now apply for voter inclusion using Form 6, specifically citing their CAA certificate as proof.

Many voters faced deletion because they lacked family records in the 2002 electoral rolls. The ECI has clarified that the CAA certificate—which contains comprehensive personal data—is sufficient to bridge this “no mapping” gap and establish eligibility.

Also read | The CAA Rules, unpacked

As per the rule, voters are typically required to show a “linkage” to the 2002 electoral rolls, either through their own name or a family member’s record.

Many residents, particularly within the Matua community, lack these historical records, putting them at risk of being deleted from the voter list. The ECI has clarified that a CAA certificate is sufficient to establish this linkage. Because the certificate contains verified personal and background data, it serves as a stand-alone document to prove eligibility for the final voter list.

Also read | In Bengal SIR, local officials flag fear of ‘system-driven’ large-scale voter deletions; EROs being bypassed

The BJP has generally supported the move. BJP leader Jagannath Chatterjee said, “Approximately 70,000 people have already applied for the CAA certificate. The inclusion of these names in the voter list is a victory for refugee rights. For Hindu refugees, the BJP is there like Himalaya to protect them.”

This follows previous controversy where BJP leader Shantanu Thakur faced criticism for suggesting he would accept the deletion of one lakh Matua names from the rolls in the process of deletion of illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh..

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“Those who have come after 2014 are normally eligible for the CAA certificate. Also, those who have a CAA certificate will normally have their names in the electoral roll. What is so special about it?” said TMC Spokesperson Aroop Chakraborty.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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