Guhawati: More than 10.56 lakh voter names have been removed from Assam’s draft electoral rolls following the completion of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission. The revision exercise has been carried out ahead of the state Assembly elections, which are scheduled to be held in less than six months.
According to the integrated draft electoral rolls released on Saturday, Assam now has a total of 2,51,09,754 registered voters. This figure does not include 93,021 individuals listed as ‘D-Voters’, or doubtful voters, whose electoral status remains subject to verification under existing procedures.
Election officials said the large-scale deletions were the result of a systematic verification process undertaken during the Special Intensive Revision. The revision aimed to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the voter list by identifying and removing ineligible or incorrect entries.
Officials explained that names were deleted primarily due to three reasons: the death of registered voters, migration of voters from their recorded addresses, and the identification of duplicate or demographically similar entries in the electoral database. The process involved cross-verification of records and field-level checks to validate voter information.
Of the total 10.56 lakh names removed, 4,78,992 entries were deleted after confirmation that the registered voters had passed away. Another 5,23,680 names were removed because the voters were found to have shifted from their registered locations, making them ineligible to remain on the rolls at those addresses.
In addition, 53,619 voter entries were flagged for correction. Officials said these cases involved discrepancies or similarities in demographic details that required further clarification or rectification. These entries have not been permanently removed but marked for necessary changes based on verification outcomes.
The Election Commission said the Special Intensive Revision is a routine but critical exercise conducted periodically to maintain updated and accurate electoral rolls. The revision process becomes particularly significant ahead of major elections to ensure that only eligible voters are included.
Following the release of the draft electoral rolls, voters have been given an opportunity to review the updated lists. Officials stated that individuals whose names have been deleted or who find errors in their voter details can submit claims and objections within the prescribed timeframe.
The window for filing claims and objections will remain open until January 22. During this period, eligible voters can apply for inclusion of their names, correction of personal details, or raise objections against entries they believe are incorrect or ineligible.
Election authorities said that all claims and objections received during this period will be examined in accordance with established procedures. Necessary field verification and document checks will be conducted before any changes are finalised.
After the completion of the claims and objections process, the final electoral rolls for Assam are scheduled to be published on February 10. The final list will serve as the official voter database for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Officials reiterated that the revision exercise is intended to strengthen the electoral process by ensuring transparency and accuracy. They added that voters are encouraged to verify their details and make use of the claims and objections mechanism to avoid any issues during polling.
The updated draft rolls and related information have been made available through official channels to allow easy access for voters. The Election Commission has advised all eligible citizens to check their names and details well in advance of the final publication.
With the Assembly elections approaching, the completion of the Special Intensive Revision marks a key step in election preparedness in Assam, ensuring that the electoral rolls reflect the most current and verified voter information.
