Former India international footballer Mehtab Hossain has been summoned for a hearing as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, a senior Election Commission official said on Thursday.
A former midfielder who captained both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal during his playing career, Hossain, expressed concern over the requirement for sportspersons who have represented the country at the international level to establish their citizenship credentials. He has featured in over 30 international matches for India.
The former footballer has been asked to appear for a hearing on February 1 at a school in Mallikpur in South 24 Parganas district. While Hossain currently resides in New Town, Mallikpur remains his native place and registered constituency as a voter.
Sources indicated that the notice was issued after inconsistencies were detected in documents related to his mother.
Reacting to the summons, Hossain voiced his dissatisfaction with the process.
“I have played so many matches wearing the national jersey and given my sweat and blood for the country. Even after that, do I have to stand in a queue to prove that I am an Indian citizen? Did our contribution mean nothing?” he said as quoted by PTI.
He also criticised the manner in which the hearings are being conducted, highlighting the difficulties faced by vulnerable sections of society.
“Leaving aside my case, there are elderly and seriously ill people who are being made to stand in queues. Some are coming in wheelchairs. They are being forced to go through immense hardship just to prove their citizenship,” Hossain added.
The former midfielder suggested that the authorities explore alternative procedures to address such cases.
Hossain is currently serving as the head coach of Sundarban Auto FC, which is preparing for a semifinal fixture in the Bengal Super League.
He is the latest sportsperson to be called for an SIR hearing, following similar notices issued to India pacer Mohammed Shami and former national cricketer and ex-Bengal Ranji captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla.
