Electoral Roll Revision Sparks Political Tensions Across India

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in twelve Indian states and Union territories faces criticism from political parties. While the BJP supports the revision for transparency, the TMC and DMK criticize it as politically motivated. The exercise is a precursor to the 2026 state elections.

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists began in nine states and three Union territories on Tuesday. The exercise, aimed at cleaning up electoral rolls, has been labeled a 'con job' by the Trinamool Congress and faced opposition from the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu.

Booth-level officers from the Election Commission are assisting electors with semi-filled enumeration forms. The SIR will run through an enumeration stage until December 4, with draft rolls releasing on December 9 and final rolls by February 7.

The revision has ignited political clashes, with BJP backing it as a move for transparency, while the TMC and DMK question its timing, calling it politically driven. This sets the stage for the 2026 state elections in various Indian regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)