Election Commission Orders Special Drive for Left-Out Voters After SIR
The Election Commission has ordered a special drive to identify eligible voters who may have been left out of electoral rolls after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The exercise will cover 20 states and Union Territories where the SIR process has been completed.
The move comes amid a political debate over voter lists. Through the new drive, election officials will help eligible citizens check their names and apply for inclusion if required.
Election Commission Begins Special Voter Drive
The Election Commission has asked officials to identify eligible voters whose names may not have appeared in the revised electoral rolls. Booth Level Officers will assist citizens who want to apply for inclusion.
The drive can also help first-time voters and people who could not complete the enrolment process earlier. In addition, the exercise gives eligible citizens another opportunity to raise concerns about their names on the electoral roll.
Special Registration Camps Planned
Several states are also preparing special registration activities. In Gujarat, for example, officials will hold special voter-registration drives on four Sundays — October 11, 18, 25 and November 1. Booth Level Officers will be available at polling stations to assist eligible citizens with claims and objections.
The Election Commission has also taken similar steps in other areas after the SIR process. In Goa, the poll body said that 88 of 97 voters identified as left out had either submitted Form 6 applications or had their applications accepted.
SIR Issue Remains Political Flashpoint
The latest decision comes as Opposition parties continue to question the SIR process. The INDIA bloc has launched its ‘Save Democracy’ campaign from October 2 to 8. The bloc has also announced a march to the Election Commission on October 6.
Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the possible exclusion of eligible voters. However, the Election Commission has maintained that its revision process aims to keep electoral rolls accurate and ensure that eligible citizens can register.
The special drive is expected to remain an important part of the voter-list debate. It also gives eligible citizens an opportunity to check their names and seek inclusion in the electoral roll.
Also Read: INDIA Bloc Save Democracy Campaign Begins Over SIR Row
