SIR update: Voter list drops to 32.87 crore across states and UTs

New Delhi: The combined voters’ list across eight states and three Union territories has reduced by nearly 3.13 crore following the completion of the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Except Uttar Pradesh, the final electoral rolls of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa, along with the Union territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, have now been published.

Electoral roll data: 36 crore to 32.87 crore voters

According to figures released by chief electoral officers and the Election Commission of India (ECI), the combined electorate in these states and UTs stood at around 36 crore when the SIR exercise was announced on October 27 last year.

Following the publication of the final electoral rolls, the total number of registered voters declined to 32.87 crore — reflecting a reduction of nearly 3.13 crore electors.

The Election Commission has not yet provided a consolidated breakdown of deletions, but such revisions typically account for duplicate entries, deceased voters, migration and corrections in voter registration data.

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Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is aimed at updating and purifying voter lists ahead of elections. The exercise, which attracted significant political and public attention, was first completed in Bihar last year.

In its second phase, the SIR was carried out across 12 states and Union territories, covering nearly 51 crore electors.

The remaining 40 crore voters are set to be covered in 17 states and five Union territories, where the revision process is expected to begin shortly.

In Assam, authorities conducted a ‘special revision’ exercise instead of the full SIR, concluding the process on February 10.

Political and legal challenges

The SIR exercise has not been without controversy. As in Bihar, several political parties have challenged the electoral roll revision process in the Supreme Court, particularly in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Petitioners have raised concerns over transparency, inclusion and procedural fairness during the revision of voter lists. The matter remains under judicial consideration.

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What the voter list revision means

The publication of updated electoral rolls is a crucial step in India’s election preparedness, ensuring accuracy in voter registration and compliance with Representation of the People Act provisions.

With the next phase of the Special Intensive Revision due to begin in additional states and UTs, the Election Commission’s voter roll update drive is set to continue across the country.

The revised voter data will play a significant role in the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha electoral processes, shaping the electoral landscape in multiple states.

PTI