SIR Clean-Up Across 6 States Removes Millions Of Voters, Gujarat Records Biggest Drop

A nationwide verification of voter records has led to a major reshuffle in electoral rolls, with millions of entries struck off after scrutiny under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The Election Commission's latest update indicates that the exercise, conducted across six states and several Union Territories, has significantly altered the size of electorates in multiple regions.

Gujarat Records Sharpest Fall In Voter Count

Gujarat saw the most extensive changes. The voter list reduced from 5,08,43,436 before the revision to 4,40,30,725 afterwards, meaning 68,12,711 electors were removed, a contraction of 13.40 percent.

Madhya Pradesh registered the next largest change. Its electorate declined from 5,74,06,143 to 5,39,81,065, reflecting deletion of 34,25,078 entries or 5.97 percent of the earlier total.

The figures were released by the Election Commission of India following completion of verification in the first set of states.

Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh And Kerala Also Revised

Rajasthan's rolls fell from 5,46,56,215 to 5,15,19,929, a net reduction of 31,36,286 voters. Chhattisgarh witnessed its numbers drop from 2,12,30,737 to 1,87,30,914, eliminating 24,99,823 names.

Kerala also saw a notable revision. The electorate decreased from 2,78,50,855 to 2,69,53,644, removing 8,97,211 electors. Goa recorded a fall from 11,85,034 to 10,57,566, accounting for 1,27,468 deletions.

Among Union Territories, Andaman and Nicobar Islands declined from 3,10,404 to 2,58,040, while Puducherry's list moved from 10,21,578 to 9,44,211. Lakshadweep registered a small adjustment, from 57,813 to 57,607.

Reasons Behind Deletions

Officials explained that the net figures represent ineligible electors removed after verification offset by newly added eligible voters. Entries were removed due to death, permanent relocation, duplicate registrations or failure to meet eligibility requirements.

Authorities stressed that electoral rolls are continuously updated and citizens can still apply for additions, corrections or removals after publication of the revised lists.

Next Round Scheduled Soon

Final electoral rolls have already been published for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Of the 12 states included in this stage of SIR, only three remain pending.

The Commission said data for West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will be released later this month. It has also written to Chief Electoral Officers in other regions to begin preparatory work.

The next phase of the Special Intensive Revision is planned for April as part of the wider nationwide electoral roll verification programme.