The BRICS TimesThe Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is starting after about 21 years. It is seen as a major election preparation step. However, the Opposition has strongly criticized the Election Commission and the central government after this announcement.
SIR 2.0 Kicks Off Across 12 States and UTs
The opposition has sharply attacked the Election Commission (EC) and the central government. This happened even before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls began. This extensive process covers 12 states and union territories (UTs). It includes UP, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. It will start from October 28. Approximately 51 crore voters will be covered. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar called the recent Bihar SIR the ‘first phase.’ He said the current process is the ‘second phase.’
Twelve States and UTs Included in Second Phase
Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, and Goa are included in this phase. Gujarat, Kerala, and Lakshadweep are also participating. Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, and Rajasthan are on the list. Finally, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are involved. CEC Kumar noted that SIR happened eight times from 1951 to 2004. He said this is the first time it is being done after a gap of more than two decades.
Key Dates for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
- Printing and Training: October 28 – November 3, 2025
- House-to-House Enumeration: November 4 – December 4, 2025
- Draft Voter List Publication: December 8, 2025
- Claims and Objections Filing Period: December 9, 2025 – January 8, 2026
- Hearing and Verification: December 9 – January 31, 2026
- Final Voter List Publication: February 7, 2026
BLO to Visit Every House, Three-Time Verification
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) is appointed for every booth. They will confirm voter details by visiting homes at least three times. Voters who are away or not home due to work can also fill their forms online. The CEC stated, “The goal of SIR is to ensure no eligible voter is missed. It also ensures no ineligible person is included in the list.”
Matching Old Records, No Extra Documents Needed
Voters whose names, or their parents’ names, are in the 2002, 2003, or 2004 rolls do not need to submit extra documents. They only need to fill the enumeration form and provide their information. State-wise old lists are viewable on the respective state EC websites.
Document List – Aadhaar is Optional for Identity
As per Supreme Court directions during the Bihar SIR, the Aadhaar card is for identification only. It will not serve as proof of citizenship. The following documents are also valid:
- ID card or pension order from a government/public sector body.
- Any government document issued before July 1, 1987.
- Birth Certificate.
- Passport.
- Academic certificate from a recognized board/university.
- Permanent Residence Certificate.
- Forest Right Letter or Caste Certificate (OBC/SC/ST).
- National Register of Citizens (NRC), where applicable.
- Family Register or Land/Housing Allotment Certificate.
Congress Alleges ‘Vote Theft Game’ Under SIR Pretext
The Congress party has levied serious accusations against the EC. They claim names of voters are being deleted under the guise of SIR. This is allegedly done to weaken opposition voters. Congress leaders state that 69 lakh votes were deleted in the recent Bihar SIR. Now, millions of votes are ready for deletion in 12 states. Congress called this ‘vote theft.’ They alleged, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the EC are playing this game together.”
EC Itself Involved in ‘Vote Theft’ Game: Congress
The party mentioned the Supreme Court previously rebuked the EC. This was for ‘mistakes and irregularities’ during the Bihar SIR. Congress now alleges the same process is being repeated nationwide. Congress stated that various ‘vote theft’ cases are emerging across the country. “Votes are being intentionally added in some places, and deleted in others,” they said. They believe the EC should have investigated these matters. Instead, they claim the EC has become part of the ‘vote theft’ game itself.
Akhilesh Yadav: ‘Must Guard Every Vote’
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the SIR process. He appealed to all voters to remain vigilant. He wrote on social media, “We must secure the right to vote for everyone. We must save democracy by guarding every vote.” Yadav emphasized that this is the time for every citizen to be aware. This ensures no vote is unjustly deleted.
Amit Malviya Retorts, Targeting Opposition
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya counter-attacked. He targeted the West Bengal government. He noted that the Mamata Banerjee government made large-scale administrative changes. This was just before the EC announced SIR in 12 states and UTs. This included transferring 17 District Magistrates and other officers.
Malviya claimed the order was issued on October 24. However, it was published later. He said this raises serious questions about the ‘intent and timing.’ He alleged Mamata Banerjee sent her ‘trusted officers’ to districts with the most fake and illegal voters.
