The BRICS TimesThe Election Commission of India (ECI) announced a voter list overhaul in Uttar Pradesh. This action is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The decision now impacts the scheduled Panchayat elections.
ECI Starts Massive Voter Revision Drive
The Election Commission of India (ECI) made an announcement on Monday, October 27. It stated that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is starting in 12 states and Union Territories. This follows the first phase completed successfully in Bihar. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar spoke to reporters. He said SIR’s main goal is to enroll every eligible voter. It also removes all ineligible names from the electoral list. He confirmed that SIR’s second phase begins in 12 regions after Bihar’s completion.
UP Elections Face Potential Delay
Uttar Pradesh is one of the 12 regions undergoing the SIR process. This intensive revision will directly impact the upcoming UP Panchayat elections. These polls were earlier expected in early February. However, the new SIR directive suggests a delay is probable. The Panchayat elections might now be postponed until March or April.
Training and Process Details Released
CEC Gyanesh Kumar provided more details. He announced that training for BLOs, EROs, and DEOs starts tomorrow. He urged all political parties to appoint their Booth Level Agents (BLAs). Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will hold meetings with the political parties’ BLAs. “Aadhaar Card is not proof of citizenship, but it can be used for identification,” he clarified. He also noted Assam’s special citizenship law. Therefore, separate SIR orders will be issued specifically for Assam.
Door-to-Door Voter Enrollment
Gyanesh Kumar detailed the booth operations. He stated that each polling booth will contain 1000 voters. One dedicated BLO will be deployed at every single booth. The BLO will visit each house three times to hand out forms. Urban area voters have the option to fill out forms online.
The BLO must ensure no qualified voter is left out of the list. The second phase of SIR covers 12 states and Union Territories. These include West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Kerala, Gujarat, Goa, Chhattisgarh, and Andaman & Nicobar.
