EC’s SIR Exercise Sees 3.68 Crore Voter Names Deleted Across 11 States and UTs

The Election Commission of India has released new draft voter rolls. These rolls show a massive deletion of names from the electoral lists. The action follows a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The draft lists were published for multiple states and Union Territories on December 23.

This second round of SIR has led to significant changes. Overall, 3.68 crore voter names have been removed across 11 states and UTs. The move aims to clean up and ensure the accuracy of the voter database.

State-by-State Impact of the Voter Roll Cleanup

The scale of deletions varies by region. According to the data, Tamil Nadu saw the highest number of names removed. Approximately 97 lakh voters were deleted from its draft list.

Gujarat followed with 73.73 lakh deletions. West Bengal had 58 lakh names removed. In Rajasthan, 44 lakh voters were struck off the rolls. The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands had the highest percentage of deletions at over 20%.

These figures come from the Election Commission’s official publication. The process is part of a nationwide effort to update rolls.

Understanding the SIR Process and Next Steps

The Special Intensive Revision is a detailed verification drive. It was announced by the Election Commission in June. All registered voters had to submit enumeration forms to confirm their eligibility.

Voters whose names have been deleted are not permanently disenfranchised. They have been marked as ‘shifted’, ‘deceased’, or ‘enrolled at multiple places’. These individuals can apply for re-inclusion.

A claims and objections period is now open. It will run until January 22 for the latest draft rolls. During this time, affected voters can submit forms to get back on the list. Officials will review all applications.

The final electoral rolls for these states are scheduled for publication on February 14, 2026. This allows time for a thorough review of all requests. The goal is a clean and accurate voter list for future elections.

This large-scale SIR exercise by the Election Commission underscores a major push for electoral integrity. The final voter lists will be crucial for upcoming electoral processes.

Info at your fingertips

What does SIR stand for in election terms?

SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision. It is a detailed verification drive conducted by the Election Commission of India. The process requires all voters to confirm their eligibility to stay on the rolls.

Which state had the most voter names deleted?

Tamil Nadu had the highest number of deletions in absolute terms. The draft rolls show about 97 lakh names were removed from the voter list there.

Can a deleted voter get their name back on the list?

Yes. Voters whose names have been deleted can apply for re-inclusion. They must submit the required form during the claims and objections period.

What are the reasons for deleting a voter’s name?

Names are typically deleted for three main reasons. The voter may have shifted residence, be deceased, or be registered at multiple locations.

When will the final voter rolls be published?

The final electoral rolls for this SIR round are set for publication on February 14, 2026. This comes after the resolution of all claims and objections.

Is this voter list cleanup happening across all of India?

Not simultaneously. The SIR is being conducted in rounds. The second round covered 11 states and UTs, with Uttar Pradesh’s draft roll due last.