Renowned Poet Joy Goswami Listed Among 3.2 Million ‘Unmapped’ Voters, Election Commission Schedules Hearing

Kolkata: Eminent Sahitya Akademi award-winning poet Joy Goswami has been included in a list of 3.2 million ‘unmapped’ voters. The 72-year-old literary figure has been summoned by the Election Commission of India for a hearing on 2 January 2026. However, Goswami, who is currently recovering from three surgeries, will be unable to attend.

Daughter Calls It Part of a Climate of Fear
Goswami’s daughter, Bukun, described the situation as part of the politics of fear. She stated that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is being used to harass voters, not only her father but other Indian citizens as well. “It is evident that in Bengal, many do not want a particular political party in power. This appears to be an attempt to intimidate voters and create fear of disenfranchisement,” she added.

Background of the Case
The case came to light when Goswami’s wife received a call from the Election Commission two days ago, instructing that both Joy Goswami and his daughter appear for a hearing. Despite lacking a voter ID in 2002, Goswami had successfully voted in the Kolkata South parliamentary constituency in 2024 at Jadavpur Girls’ High School polling station. His daughter explained that his parents had passed away long ago in Ranaghat, and the family had no records of older identification documents.

Poet Recovering From Surgery
The Goswami family previously resided in Jadavpur before moving to Salt Lake, but Joy Goswami continued to vote in Jadavpur. Bukun emphasized that this entire process has been particularly challenging for her elderly parents. She cited examples of senior citizens with asthma or joint pain struggling to stand in long queues to comply with such procedures.

Daughter to Represent Him at Hearing
Goswami’s doctors have strictly advised against travel due to his recent surgeries. Accordingly, Bukun will attend the hearing on his behalf and respond to questions regarding the required documents. She stressed that both her parents have lived and served the state for decades, and it is unprecedented that her father’s right to vote is now under scrutiny.