Assam Electoral Rolls Purged: Over 10 Lakh Voters Removed in Special Revision Ahead of Polls

More than 10.56 lakh names have been deleted from Assam’s voter list. The Election Commission of India released the draft electoral rolls this week. This major cleanup comes just months before the state is expected to hold assembly elections.

The Commission conducted a dedicated Special Revision exercise for the state. Officials confirmed the deletions were due to deaths, duplicate entries, and migration. The aim is to ensure an accurate and error-free electoral database.

Details of the Major Voter List Overhaul

According to the integrated draft rolls, Assam now has 2,51,09,754 registered voters. This number excludes 93,021 individuals classified as ‘D-voters’ or doubtful voters. The Election Commission provided these figures on Saturday.

The door-to-door verification drive ran from November 22 to December 20. Field officials physically checked records to identify ineligible entries. The process removed 10,56,291 names from the previous list.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar explained the need for a separate exercise for Assam. He cited the state’s unique citizenship context under Supreme Court supervision. This revision is distinct from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in other states.

Impact on Upcoming Elections and Voter Verification

The revision’s timing is critical with polls anticipated in less than six months. A clean list is fundamental for a fair electoral process. It directly impacts political planning and voter turnout logistics.

For citizens, the immediate step is to verify their enrollment status. The Election Commission has published draft rolls online for public scrutiny. People can check their names and details in their constituency’s PDF file.

The state’s total number of polling stations is now set at 31,486. Officials have carried forward all details of D-voters into the draft rolls for transparency. These individuals, however, remain disenfranchised and will not receive voter cards.

This sweeping revision of the Assam electoral rolls underscores the Commission’s drive for list accuracy. Voters must promptly check their enrollment status to ensure their franchise. The final list will set the stage for a crucial state election.

Info at your fingertips

How can I check if my name is in the Assam voter list?

Visit the Election Commission’s official website. Navigate to the E-Roll PDF section, select your state, district, and assembly constituency to download and search the draft roll.

Why were over 10 lakh names deleted?

Names were removed due to death, migration, or duplication. The Special Revision aimed to clean the database by deleting ineligible entries and correcting errors in voter details.

What is a ‘D-voter’ in Assam?

A ‘D-voter’ or doubtful voter is a person disenfranchised due to inconsistencies in citizenship documents. Special tribunals under the Foreigners Act identify such individuals.

What is the difference between Special Revision and Special Intensive Revision?

The Special Revision was a one-time exercise ordered specifically for Assam. The Special Intensive Revision is a larger, ongoing process currently happening in 11 other states and Union Territories.

What was the reason for a separate revision in Assam?

Election officials cited Assam’s distinct citizenship context under the Citizenship Act. The process is linked to the Supreme Court-supervised exercise of checking citizenship status in the state.

Trusted Sources

Election Commission of India, Press Trust of India.