The Commission has asked officials to flag entries that feature non-human images, black-and-white photographs, blurred or mismatched pictures, and names without photos. BLOs have been instructed to conduct door-to-door verification and prepare a software-based report to ensure accuracy. Assam began its revision exercise on November 17, and the final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on February 10, 2026.
The SIR process has drawn sharp political criticism. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the revision has created “anarchy” and said the deaths of 16 BLOs in three weeks underscored the pressure on field staff. “SIR is not a reform; it is imposed oppression,” he claimed, accusing authorities of forcing citizens to sift through outdated voter lists and pushing staff into extreme stress.
Legal challenges to SIR are also mounting. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has approached the Supreme Courtjoining Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments in questioning the legality and execution of the revision exercise.
Across the 12 participating states and UTs, the ECI has distributed 50.47 crore forms out of the targeted 51 crore. In West Bengal, where the process has been particularly contentious, 7.64 crore forms have been handed out covering 99.75% of the electorate while 3.77 crore completed forms have been uploaded.
In Noida, authorities have filed FIRs against 60 BLOs and seven supervisors for alleged negligence, citing failure to follow instructions. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has called for a detailed probe into Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that a BLO died by suicide after blaming the Commission in a note. Trinamool Congress leaders allege more than 30 deaths linked to SIR work.
The final electoral rolls for all 12 states are slated for release on February 7, 2026.
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