NEW DELHI – India on Tuesday began a large-scale revision of its voter rolls under the “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR) initiative, a move that critics warn could lead to widespread voter exclusion. The three-month exercise spans 12 states and union territories, many of which are preparing for local elections next year.
Election Commission of India (ECI) chief Gyanesh Kumar announced that tens of thousands of election officials and nearly half a million volunteers will go door-to-door to assist citizens in completing voter enumeration forms. “Officials will help the elector fill the enumeration form, collect it and submit it,” Kumar said.
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A similar drive earlier this year in Bihar resulted in the removal of about 6.5 million names, which authorities claimed were linked to “foreign illegal immigrants.” However, activists argue that the process disproportionately affects poor and minority communities, particularly Muslims, who may lack required documentation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the process, saying it helps maintain electoral integrity. Critics, however, allege it could suppress votes ahead of crucial state and national polls. Several rights groups and opposition parties, including Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), have filed legal challenges. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called the initiative “a mere trick to delete the names of genuine voters.” The final updated electoral roll is expected to be published on February 7, 2026.
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