India's voter lists trimmed by 5.18 crore names in SIR Phase 2
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Phase two of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has concluded, resulting in the deletion of approximately 5.18 crore names across 12 states and Union Territories. This significant reduction in voter lists, accounting for about 10.2% of the total voter base, primarily involved removing deceased electors and those who had moved. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of deletions.
Key Highlights
- Over 5.18 crore names removed from voter lists in 12 Indian states and UTs.
- Second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is complete.
- Deletions largely due to deceased voters and permanent shifts in address.
- Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of name deletions.
- Total voter base reduced by approximately 10.2% across affected regions.
- ECI data forms the basis of the reported figures.
The second phase of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been completed across 12 states and Union Territories, leading to the removal of approximately 5.18 crore names from the voter lists. This extensive exercise, aimed at purifying and updating the electoral rolls, resulted in a significant reduction of about 10.2% in the total voter base across the participating regions. The total electorate in these areas, which stood at around 51 crore at the beginning of the SIR exercise on October 27, 2025, has now been revised to approximately 45.81 crore.
The primary reasons for these deletions include names of deceased electors, individuals who have permanently shifted their residence, and duplicate entries. Election Commission of India (ECI) data indicates that a substantial number of these deletions, around 66.88 lakh, were of deceased electors. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of deletions in absolute terms, with over 25.47 lakh names removed from its voter rolls. West Bengal also saw a significant number of deceased names removed, totaling approximately 24.16 lakh. Other sources indicate Uttar Pradesh removed over 2.04 crore names, with the state's final voter list showing a 13.24% drop.
The second phase of the SIR covered a dozen states and Union Territories: Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa. The process has been crucial in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the electoral rolls, a fundamental aspect of democratic elections in India. The ECI follows a well-defined protocol for the revision, involving continuous updation, public display of draft rolls, and opportunities for claims and objections from citizens and political parties, ensuring transparency and adherence to the principles of natural justice.
While the headline figure of 5.18 crore deletions is consistent across major news outlets like Hindustan Times, India Today, and The Federal, there are slight variations in cumulative figures and state-specific data depending on the source and reporting date. For instance, India Today reported over 7.2 crore names removed in Phase 2, but clarified that this figure includes fresh additions, leading to net deletions of over 5.2 crore. Similarly, The Economic Times mentioned over 5.38 crore deletions across the dozen states and UTs. These minor discrepancies are common in reporting large-scale data exercises and do not detract from the overall accuracy of the central claim.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has also been a subject of political discourse, with opposition parties raising concerns about potential disenfranchisement of certain voter groups. However, the ECI maintains that the exercise is purely aimed at ensuring the accuracy and purity of electoral rolls by removing ineligible entries and is conducted with utmost transparency, involving political parties at every stage.
The deletions account for a significant portion of the voter base, reflecting the dynamic nature of population demographics and the continuous effort by the ECI to maintain a clean and accurate electoral roll. This exercise is vital for preventing electoral malpractices and ensuring that only eligible citizens are on the voter rolls, thereby strengthening the foundation of free and fair elections in India. The current reporting period aligns with the conclusion of this phase, with the next phase expected to cover remaining states and UTs after the ongoing assembly elections.
The news is specific to India, focusing on its electoral process. The information is derived from data provided by the Election Commission of India and reported by major Indian news organizations. The credibility of the reporting is supported by corroboration across multiple reputable news sources. Hindustan Times, while noted for some mixed factual reporting and bias ratings by certain media analysis groups, is reporting figures consistent with other established news outlets on this matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to update, purify, and correct electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and prevent malpractices. It involves systematically reviewing and revising the list of eligible voters.
Why were so many names removed from the voter lists?
A significant number of names were removed primarily because the individuals were deceased, had permanently shifted their residence to another location, or were found to have duplicate entries. The SIR process aims to eliminate such inaccuracies.
Which states were most affected by these deletions?
Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of deletions, followed by West Bengal. The SIR phase two covered a total of 12 states and Union Territories, including several other major states.
What is the impact of these deletions on upcoming elections?
The deletion of names ensures that the electoral rolls are accurate and reflect the current eligible voting population. This contributes to the integrity and fairness of upcoming elections by preventing potential ghost voting or other malpractices.