The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a press conference Monday evening to announce the dates for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the nation. Scheduled for 4:15 PM, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, will lead the announcement.
According to a PTI report, the first phase will involve 10 to 15 states, including those where state assembly elections are due in 2026. SIR is a crucial process for updating and purifying electoral rolls, which involves registering new voters, removing names of the deceased, eliminating duplicate entries, and processing transfers.
Source: aajtak
This initiative by the commission focuses particularly on states where elections are imminent, such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. These states are looking forward to assembly elections in 2026, and accurate electoral rolls are essential for ensuring the credibility of the electoral process.
The press conference will release a detailed timetable for the first phase, concentrating on states where electoral preparation is most critical. Tamil Nadu might witness a tough battle between alliances of DMK and AIADMK, while in West Bengal, TMC's rule versus BJP's challenge will be noteworthy. In Kerala, the LDF and UDF contest, BJP's stronghold in Assam, and the Congress-DMK coalition's role in Puducherry will be closely monitored.
Errors in electoral rolls in these states could impact election outcomes, emphasizing the importance of the SIR's timely execution. In recent years, the commission has integrated digital technology to bolster the electoral rolls. Initiatives like the Voter Helpline App, online registration, and enhanced roles for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been promoted.
During SIR, tasks such as door-to-door surveys, settling claims and objections, and updating photo ID cards will be undertaken. Following the first phase, other states will be incorporated systematically to implement a uniform procedure nationwide. This announcement comes at a time when political parties are vigilant about voter registrations.
