Massive Voter Deletion

New Delhi: The Election Commission has removed over 6.08 crore names from electoral rolls under the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), significantly reshaping voter data across 12 states and Union Territories.

The SIR voter list revision has brought down the total number of voters in these regions from around 51 crore to 44.92 crore, according to officials. The move is part of an ongoing nationwide effort to update electoral records.

Key States Affected

Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of deletions, with approximately 2.04 crore names removed. The state’s total voter count has dropped to 13.39 crore, marking a decline of nearly 13%.

West Bengal also witnessed substantial changes, with around 91 lakh voters excluded from the final list following verification.

States Under Coverage

The second phase covered nine states and three Union Territories. These include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa, along with Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.

Officials indicated that the exercise forms part of a broader nationwide update.

What Is SIR Process

The Special Intensive Revision is a door-to-door verification drive conducted to clean up electoral rolls. Booth Level Officers and agents physically verify voter details at residences.

The process includes adding new eligible voters, correcting existing records, and removing duplicate or outdated entries.

Verification Documents Used

During the exercise, authorities relied on multiple documents for verification. These include Aadhaar cards, passports, birth certificates, Class 10 marksheets, domicile certificates, and government-issued identity cards.

Other accepted records include pension IDs, caste certificates, land allotment papers, and family registers, depending on availability.

Purpose Of Exercise

According to officials, the primary aim of the SIR voter list revision is to ensure accuracy and eliminate discrepancies in electoral rolls.

This includes removing names of deceased individuals, duplicate entries, and voters who have permanently shifted. At the same time, the process allows inclusion of newly eligible citizens.

The Commission noted that updates pending since 2004 are being addressed through this large-scale revision.

Legal Concerns Raised

The exercise has drawn scrutiny in several states. Political parties in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have approached the Supreme Court, raising concerns over voter deletions and procedural transparency.

Sources indicated that the matter is under judicial consideration, with further hearings expected.

Next Phase Ahead

The Election Commission has completed SIR coverage for nearly 60 crore voters so far. The first phase was conducted in Bihar, while Assam followed a separate revision process.

The third phase will cover the remaining 39 crore voters across 17 states and five Union Territories. Officials said the next phase will begin after upcoming assembly elections.

The SIR voter list revision is expected to remain a key focus in future government updates and public interest discussions, particularly as electoral accuracy becomes central to India News Update cycles and Trending News India coverage.