Row erupts over bid to remove Padma Shri awardee Haji Ramakdu from voter roll

A fresh political controversy has emerged in Gujarat after an application was filed to remove Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, also known as Haji Ramakdu, from the electoral roll in Junagadh, even as the celebrated folk artist was recently named among the recipients of the Padma Shri 2026.

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Haji Ramakdu, an octogenarian folk musician renowned for his dholak performances and contributions to bhajans, santvani, ghazals and qawwali across India and abroad, was honoured with the Padma Shri on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, recognising his six decades of artistic work.

The controversy stems from an objection filed under Form-7 during the state’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.

A local Bharatiya Janata Party councillor allegedly submitted the form claiming that Haji Ramakdu had permanently relocated, and sought to have his name deleted from the voters’ list.