Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Padma Shri Honoree's Voter List Dispute
Mir Haji Kasam, a famous dholak player, was recently awarded the Padma Shri, a big honor in India.
Around the same time, a local politician named Sanjay Manvar said Kasam's name shouldn't be on the voter list because he thought Kasam had moved away.
But after Kasam got the award, Manvar said he was just confused because Kasam has many names.
The election officer said they will check everything and fix any mistakes.
Kasam is happy and trusts the government to handle the situation.
Mir Haji Kasam, known as Haji Ramakdu and Haji Rathod, was awarded the Padma Shri on January 25.
BJP corporator Sanjay Manvar filed an objection to Kasam's name in the voter list on January 13.
Manvar claimed confusion due to Kasam's multiple names and alleged permanent shift from the ward.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel felicitated Kasam on January 28, with Manvar in attendance.
The Electoral Registration Officer assured Kasam that the objection would be verified and resolved.
- Who
- Mir Haji Kasam, a noted dholak player, and Sanjay Manvar, a BJP corporator
- What
- Kasam was awarded the Padma Shri, while Manvar filed an objection to Kasam's name in the voter list
- When
- Objection filed on January 13, Padma Shri announced on January 25, felicitation on January 28
- Where
- Junagadh, Gujarat
- Why
- Manvar claimed confusion due to Kasam's multiple names and alleged permanent shift from the ward
- Name
- Mir Haji Kasam (a.k.a Haji Ramakdu, Haji Rathod)
- Age
- 70s
- Occupation
- Dholak Player
- Award
- Padma Shri
- Location
- Junagadh, Gujarat
- Objection Filed By
- Sanjay Manvar (BJP Corporator)
- Electoral Officer
- Charansinh Gohil (ERO)
- Objections Received
- 80,000 in Junagadh district