Bihar MLA struck off voters’ list as she isn’t an Indian citizen

Sitamarhi District Magistrate Suman Kumar confirmed that the MLA’s name had been struck off the electoral rolls.

Nagina Devi, however, alleged that the administration struck off her name without giving her the opportunity to prove her claim. She said the last date to submit her claims before the SDO’s court was August 24.

“I was ready with all relevant documents and witnesses. But on August 24 the SDO’s court did not convene, as officials were busy with the Chief Minister’s programme. However, to my dismay I learnt that through a notice issued that day that my name had been struck off the voters list,” she said.

She said she would consult her lawyers and decide on the next step.

Inquiries revealed that Nagina Devi was born to Nepalese parents in Madanpur village of Sarlahi district in Nepal and was married to Jogiraj Prasad of adjoining Sitamarhi district of India in 1972. After marriage, however, she never bothered to apply for Indian citizenship. After she won the 2005 Assembly election, it was contested by rival Rajkishore Kuhswaha, the losing JD (U) candidate, in Patna HC. The court had directed the district administration and the Home Ministry to verify the complaint.