A comprehensive review of electoral rolls in five Indian states – Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur – has resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of registered voters, with some states experiencing a decline of up to 13.24 per cent. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, aimed at cleaning up voter lists ahead of upcoming assembly elections, has led to a net decrease of approximately 2.29 crore voters across these five states.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the total electorate in these poll-bound states has decreased from an estimated 18.71 crore to 16.43 crore following the revision. This represents a reduction of about 12.2 per cent nationwide for the affected states. Uttar Pradesh, which holds the distinction of having the largest electorate among Indian states, accounted for the lion’s share of this decline, contributing nearly 90 per cent of the total reduction.
In Uttar Pradesh, the revision process saw the number of electors fall from 15.44 crore before the SIR to 12.56 crore in the draft rolls. While some names were restored, the final rolls stood at 13.40 crore, resulting in a net loss of around 2.04 crore voters. This represents a significant decrease of 13.24 per cent, making it the steepest drop observed among the five states. During the draft phase, approximately 2.89 crore names were removed, with about 0.84 crore, or roughly 29 per cent, being reinstated in the final rolls.
Punjab experienced a net loss of approximately 0.14 crore voters, a reduction of 6.34 per cent. The state’s electoral roll decreased from 2.15 crore to 1.94 crore in the draft, before settling at 2.01 crore in the final rolls. Punjab demonstrated the strongest recovery rate among the five states, with about 0.07 crore voters, approximately 34 per cent of those initially removed, being restored to the rolls.
Uttarakhand saw a net decrease of about 0.08 crore voters, marking a 10.07 per cent shrinkage in its electorate. The number of electors went from 0.80 crore to 0.71 crore in the draft, and the final rolls showed 0.72 crore. The restoration rate in Uttarakhand was notably low, with only about 0.0025 crore voters, representing around three per cent of the draft deletions, being reinstated.
Manipur recorded a net loss of approximately 0.013 crore voters, a decline of 6.33 per cent, which is similar to the percentage decrease seen in Punjab. The state’s electorate reduced from 0.209 crore to 0.193 crore in the draft stage, with the final rolls showing 0.196 crore. Around 17 per cent of the names deleted during the draft revision were restored in Manipur.
Goa experienced a net loss of nearly 0.013 crore voters, a decrease of 10.76 per cent. The number of electors went from 0.1185 crore to 0.1085 crore in the draft rolls. Uniquely among the five states, Goa’s final roll was smaller than the draft, indicating no net restoration occurred. The final number of electors in Goa stood at 0.1058 crore.
The Election Commission of India had previously noted the potential for assembly polls in these five states to be held “early next year” while ordering special summary revisions in 17 states. The ongoing revision process is designed to provide an opportunity for voters who were omitted to be included in the electoral rolls. Young citizens who will attain the age of 18 on or before January 1 of the election year are also given a chance to register and cast their votes in these upcoming elections.
The term of the Uttar Pradesh assembly, which comprises 403 members, is scheduled to end on May 22 next year. The terms for the assemblies in Manipur (60 members), Goa (40 members), Punjab (117 members), and Uttarakhand (70 members) are set to conclude on different dates in March 2027. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, empowers the Election Commission to conduct polls up to six months prior to the expiration of an assembly’s term.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
