Millions Lose Names in SIR Voter Roll Revisions Across MP and Chhattisgarh
Millions Lose Names in SIR Voter Roll Revisions Across MP and Chhattisgarh
A sweeping Special Intensive Revision trims millions from draft voter rolls in MP and Chhattisgarh, with hearings, notices, and a path for re-inclusion during claims and objections.
Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, is reshaping electoral rolls across central India, with millions of names being cut from draft lists. In Madhya Pradesh, about 42.74 lakh names were dropped from the draft roll, with the breakdown: 8.46 lakh dead, 31.51 lakh absent or migrated, and 2.77 lakh duplicates. In Chhattisgarh, about 27 lakh voters were removed in the latest revision window. Across three states and one union territory, the tally reaches around 95 lakh deleted names.
During SIR, draft rolls are shared with recognized political parties to explain progress and gather feedback. Meetings have been held at district and constituency levels, and the Election Commission says genuine voters can still be added back during the Claims and Objections phase. The process includes notices for voters who couldn't be mapped, hearings, and identity-verification steps before final decisions.
All claims and objections filed will be resolved in time, with final rolls slated for mid-February (some reports note February 14 in certain states, others February 21 for district rolls). Public and parties can submit claims and objections; those who find their names missing can apply for re-inclusion, with officers taking a final decision. Observers say that while deletions reflect cleaning of duplicates and outdated entries, they also raise concerns about eligibility and access in the run-up to elections. Voters are urged to verify their details with local election offices and ensure any missed entries are corrected during the OB/claims window.
The scale of the revision underscores the ongoing effort to ensure cleaner rolls ahead of elections, while lawmakers and voters alike watch closely to see how many genuine voters might be re-included after objections and hearings.
