Massive Voter List Shakeup in Gujarat: 74 Lakh Names Omitted in Major Cleanup

A major electoral overhaul has dramatically reshaped Gujarat’s voter landscape. The Election Commission of India has published new draft electoral rolls for the state. The data reveals a staggering reduction of 73.73 lakh voters. This follows a completed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive.

The total number of registered electors has fallen from 5.08 crore to 4.34 crore. State Chief Electoral Officer Hareet Shukla confirmed the figures, according to a PTI report. The sweeping exercise aimed to clean and update the voter lists ahead of future polls.

Breaking Down the 74 Lakh Voter Reduction

The CEO’s office provided a detailed breakdown of the omitted categories. A large portion, over 40 lakh, were removed due to permanent migration. Another 18 lakh entries belonged to deceased individuals.

Approximately 9.7 lakh were classified as “absent” voters. The revision also found 3.8 lakh instances of multiple registrations. The SIR campaign ran from November 4 to December 14 last year.

This rigorous process is a standard EC practice to ensure list integrity. It helps prevent electoral fraud and improves administrative accuracy. The publication of the draft rolls opens the door for corrections.

Next Steps for Voters and Lasting Impact

Voters now have a clear window to check their status and file claims. Objections and applications for inclusion can be submitted until January 18. This is a critical period for citizens to ensure their franchise.

The significant drop highlights previous list inaccuracies. It sets a new baseline for the state’s electoral database. Politicians and parties must now reassess their constituency-level data and outreach.

Analysts note such a large-scale cleanup can influence political planning. Accurate rolls are fundamental for free and fair elections. The final lists will be crucial for all future state and national elections in Gujarat.

The SIR in Gujarat has set a new precedent for electoral roll management. Voters must act before January 18 to secure their voting rights. This cleanup aims to fortify the democratic process for upcoming elections.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What should I do if my name is missing from the draft roll?

You need to file Form 6 along with Annexure-IV. Submit it to your Booth Level Officer or apply online via the Election Commission’s voter portal. The deadline for claims is January 18.

Q2: Why were so many names removed from the list?

Names were deleted for several verified reasons. The main categories include deceased voters, people who permanently moved away, and duplicate registrations. The EC calls this a necessary cleanup of inaccurate data.

Q3: How can I check the new Gujarat voter list online?

Visit the official Election Commission website at voters.eci.gov.in. You can also use the NVSP portal or the EC’s mobile app. You will need to enter basic details like your district and personal information.

Q4: What was the goal of the Special Intensive Revision?

The SIR aimed to create a more accurate and reliable voter database. It systematically identified and removed incorrect, duplicate, or ineligible entries. This process is part of standard EC maintenance between major elections.

Q5: Does this affect my voter ID card from another state?

No, the SIR in Gujarat only pertains to the state’s electoral rolls. If you are registered in another Indian state, your registration there remains valid. You cannot be legally enrolled in more than one constituency.