CM Yogi Adityanath Claims 4 Crore Voters Dropped From UP Electoral Rolls After SIR Process

The article discusses claims of a four crore shortfall in Uttar Pradesh's voter list amid the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the political context for the BJP, and the implications for upcoming elections, with emphasis on accuracy and verification processes.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that the ongoing revision of electoral rolls may remove nearly four crore voters from the state’s lists. The remark came while Adityanath urged Bharatiya Janata Party workers to monitor every booth and ensure that all legitimate voters’ names are restored and recorded accurately.

Adityanath linked the numbers directly to the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, being carried out by the Election Commission of India. According to Adityanath, the revision has produced a voter list of around 12 crore names, far below the figure that should follow from demographic trends and statutory enrolment of citizens turning 18.

Uttar Pradesh voter list figures under scrutiny

During the event, organised to mark Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary’s election as president of the BJP’s Uttar Pradesh unit, Adityanath presented his calculation. Adityanath said everyone aged 18 or above needed voter registration, which would place the state’s electorate near 16 crore, instead of the present reduced figure.

Adityanath detailed past and present electoral roll numbers to support the claim of a shortfall. Adityanath said, "This is a difference of four crore. In the January 2025 voter list, there were a total of 15 crore 44 lakh names. By January 1, 2026, all youths who turn 18 will be eligible to become voters, so the number should have increased. But instead of increasing, it has decreased. Now it stands at 12 crore."

The contrast between earlier and current figures within the Uttar Pradesh voter list can be summarised as follows.

Political strategy linked to Uttar Pradesh voter list

Adityanath framed most of the missing four crore names as a concern primarily for BJP’s support base. Addressing party cadres, Adityanath said, "This difference of four crore is not your opponent. Out of this, 85 to 90 percent are your voters. Coincidentally, the Election Commission of India has extended the deadline for submitting SIR forms by 14 days. This time should be used effectively. Workers should go door to door at every booth and get the names of eligible people added to the voter list."

Adityanath asked BJP office bearers at national, state and local levels to examine the revised Uttar Pradesh voter list that is expected next month. Calling the exercise part of preparation for the 2027 Assembly polls, Adityanath said, "Your opponent does not have that much strength, but remember, no matter how the opponent is, you must have equal capability, courage, and sharpness to counter their deception and deceit."

Adityanath also questioned official claims about the status of the Special Intensive Revision process for the Uttar Pradesh voter list. Adityanath said some officials reported 98 percent completion, others cited 99 percent, and a few claimed 100 percent work was done, but added, "But this is not the truth," Adityanath said.

The Chief Minister referred to a recent district visit, where scrutiny of forms linked to the Uttar Pradesh voter list allegedly revealed entries of several Bangladeshi citizens. Adityanath said those forms were reportedly filled by opposition representatives, and used the example to urge stricter verification of SIR submissions across the state.

Adityanath’s comments placed numerical data, alleged irregularities and organisational instructions in one frame, highlighting Uttar Pradesh voter list accuracy as both an administrative and political issue ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with BJP workers urged to correct records within the extended SIR timeline.