’How do you explain the deletion of 130 million names?’ Why Indian voters are on the streets

The Guardian reports: Anger at electoral roll changes has boiled over, sparking a crisis for Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government Born into a small village in West Bengal, Shahida Fakir had always taken her vote for granted.

That was, until it was suddenly taken away. She presented officials with her Indian birth certificate and family land documents from the village going back to 1962.

This world story centres on India. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Indian, Shahida Fakir and Narendra Modi’s Hindu.

Why it matters

International developments of this kind are often followed closely by governments, aid organisations and global markets.

Key details

Location

India · Asia

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

14 Oct 2026, 07:39 IST

Key names

Indian, Shahida Fakir, Narendra Modi’s Hindu, Born

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The Guardian’How do you explain the deletion of 130 million names?’ Why Indian voters are on the streets 14 Oct, 07:39

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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