(58) List of Polling Stations - Page 1093

1074 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES

Pandit Thakur Das Bhargava: Is it a fact that the lists of the electors are arranged alphabetically for each constituency?

Dr. Ambedkar: I am afraid I have not seen the electoral roll myself. Therefore, I cannot say. Probably, the hon. Member has more information.

Pandit Thakur Das Bhagava: Is it a fact that since there are no separate lists for each polling station, persons living in the area of a particular polling station will have to travel several miles before they will be able to vote in that constituency ?

Dr. Ambedkar: I do not think so. I think all people would be informed as to the number of voters who have to go to a particular polling station.

Pandit Thakur Das Bhargava: All these lists are arranged alphabetically. This means that there will be no separate list for each polling station. Unless there is a separate list for each polling station, people will not know where they have to go and they will have to travel several miles.

Dr. Ambedkar: I am not aware that the voters’ lists are arranged alphabetically.

Mr. Deputy Speaker: I think they are arranged alphabetically and a list is hung in each polling station.

Dr. Ambedkar: I will make enquiries about it.

Mr. Deputy Speaker: Anyway, it does not arise out of this question.

Pandit Kunzru: May I ask the Law Minister whether instructions of the kind issued by the Election Commission to the Bombay State have been issued in respect of other States also ?

Dr. Ambedkar: That letter was a general letter issued to all the States.

Pandit Kunzru: Can he tell me whether these preliminary lists of polling stations have been shown to members of the political parties in the other States ?

Dr. Ambedkar: My friend is assuming that there are political parties everywhere. If there are any political parties, I am sure the State Government will take steps to show the