New Delhi: In one of the most significant electoral exercises in recent history, the Election Commission of India (ECI) today announced the launch of a pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This marks the ninth such exercise since Independence and the first nationwide overhaul in 21 years, with the last one being conducted between 2002-2004.
IIn a detailed press conference, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar laid out the massive undertaking, which will begin with Phase 2 across 12 states and Union Territories. The primary goal, he stated, is to create a thoroughly “clean, accurate, and credible” electoral roll by weeding out inaccuracies that have accumulated over two decades.
“SIR will ensure no eligible elector is left out and no ineligible elector is included in poll rolls,” CEC Kumar said.
The announcement follows the “highly successful” completion of Phase 1 in Bihar, which the CEC cited as a model for the national rollout, highlighting that the entire process was completed with “zero appeals” against the final revised list.
Why This Massive Exercise is Happening Now
The CEC explained that a revision of this scale is critical to address several long-standing issues that plague the accuracy of voter lists. These include:
- Migration: Voters who move from one constituency to another often end up registered in multiple places.
- Deceased Voters: The non-removal of names of deceased voters bloats the rolls and opens the door for potential misuse.
- Wrongful Inclusions: Ensuring no non-citizens are wrongfully included in the list.
Political parties have repeatedly raised these concerns, and this SIR is the ECI’s comprehensive answer to enhancing the integrity of the democratic process.
The 12 States and UTs in Phase 2
The second phase of the SIR will be conducted in the following 12 states and Union Territories:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Chhattisgarh
- Goa
- Gujarat
- Kerala
- Lakshadweed
- Madhya Pradesh
- Puducherry
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
Assam Kept Separate: The CEC explicitly clarified that Assam will not be part of this phase. This is due to the state’s separate provisions under the Citizenship Act and the ongoing verification process being monitored by the Supreme Court. A separate order for revision in Assam will be issued at a later date.
A Mammoth Ground Operation: The Timeline
This SIR is a massive logistical challenge that will involve a detailed, multi-stage process:
- Electoral Rolls Frozen (Effective Tonight): The current electoral rolls in these 12 states/UTs will be frozen at midnight on October 27, 2025.
- Door-to-Door Verification (Nov 4 – Dec 4, 2025): This is the core of the exercise.
- Over 5.33 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every single household three times during this one-month period.
- They will distribute pre-filled “Unique Enumeration Forms” to make it easier for citizens to verify their details.
- To ensure transparency, over 7 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from various political parties will also be involved in the process.
- Draft Roll Publication (Dec 9, 2025): After the field verification, a new draft voter list will be published.
- Claims and Objections (Dec 9, 2025 – Jan 8, 2026): The public will have one month to file any claims (to add a name) or objections (to remove a name or correct details).
- Final Roll Publication (Feb 7, 2026): Following the resolution of all claims, the final, clean, and updated electoral roll will be officially published.
Key Clarifications from the ECI
During the press conference, the CEC made two very important clarifications:
- Aadhaar is Not Proof of Citizenship: CEC Kumar was firm that while the Aadhaar card can be used as one of 12 documents for identity verification, it will not be accepted as proof of citizenship, domicile, or date of birth.
- No Confrontation with West Bengal: When questioned about potential friction with the West Bengal government, the CEC stated there is “no confrontation.” He reinforced the ECI’s constitutional authority under Article 324, noting that states are bound to provide the necessary personnel to conduct the revision, and he was confident of cooperation.
Team POV
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