Election Commission Extends Voter Roll Review Deadline in Six Key Regions

The Election Commission of India has granted more time for a crucial voter list review. It extended the deadline for five states and one Union Territory. The states are Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. The Union Territory is Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This decision followed formal requests from Chief Electoral Officers in these regions. According to PTI, officials sought extra time to complete the Special Intensive Revision thoroughly. The process aims to ensure electoral rolls are accurate and current.

States Cite Need for Thorough Verification

Uttar Pradesh’s case highlights the reason for the delay. State CEO Navdeep Rinwa explained the request. He said district officers needed weeks to re-verify records. They are checking data for deceased voters and those who have relocated.

The SIR exercise in Uttar Pradesh began on November 4. The extension allows for meticulous fieldwork. The goal is to prevent any eligible voter from being wrongly excluded. This careful approach is mirrored in the other granted states.

Election authorities stress the importance of list accuracy. Clean rolls are fundamental for fair elections. The Commission’s flexibility aims to support this integrity. States must now use the extra time effectively.

Political Tensions Surface in West Bengal Over SIR Process

While some states get more time, West Bengal sees controversy. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched sharp criticism. She accused the central government of using the SIR as a political tool. This comes ahead of the state’s 2026 assembly elections.

Banerjee labeled Union Home Minister Amit Shah as “dangerous.” She warned of staging a dharna if any eligible voter’s name is removed. Her rhetoric underscores deep political tensions surrounding the electoral process.

She claimed BJP-backed officials were being sent to oversee the work. The Chief Minister framed the review as an attempt to target Bengali citizens. These allegations add a heated political layer to the administrative exercise.

The extended SIR deadline provides crucial breathing room for election officials. Its execution remains under intense scrutiny, balancing administrative precision with high political stakes.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

The SIR is a detailed exercise to clean up electoral rolls. It involves verifying entries to remove duplicates and ineligible voters. The goal is to ensure the voter list is accurate before elections.

Which states got a deadline extension?

The Election Commission extended the deadline for five states. They are Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands also received an extension.

Why did Uttar Pradesh request more time?

State CEO Navdeep Rinwa said officials needed time for re-verification. This includes confirming records of deceased voters and people who have moved. The extra weeks allow for thorough ground-level checking.

What are the political concerns in West Bengal?

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleges the SIR is being misused politically. She claims it could wrongfully remove eligible Bengali voters. She has promised strong protest if any names are unfairly struck off.

How does the SIR impact future elections?

Accurate voter rolls are the foundation of a fair election. The SIR helps eliminate errors and fraudulent entries. A clean list is vital for the integrity of upcoming state and national polls.