Former Indian diplomat Navdeep Suri, with over three decades of service, is facing an unexpected challenge after discrepancies were flagged in his 2003 records during the electoral roll revision exercise in Punjab.
Suri, who has served in Egypt, UAE and Australia, raised concerns over the process of establishing citizenship during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a series of posts on X, he said, "Sharing my experience with #SIR in Punjab. Went to BLO, submitted Voter ID and Aadhaar card, was assured that everything is in order. Got a message today from a volunteer saying some details don’t match with SIR in 2003!
He said he spoke to the BLO (booth level officer), who asked him to collect the notice and return with unspecified documents proving his Indian citizenship. After he said he was not in India in 2003, he was asked to submit his passport as proof.
He further said, "I happen to have documents other than voter ID and Aadhaar card. But can’t help asking: If I have trouble establishing my citizenship after representing India in three countries, what’s the fate of the common citizen? Ease of Living, I presume!"
There was no immediate response regarding his claim by the Election Commission.