India voter list revision sees 13.37 crore names removed

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for voter lists has drawn significant attention due to the large-scale removal of names from electoral rolls. Nationally, approximately 13.37 crore names were removed from draft voter lists. According to Election Commission data, these removals include roughly 2.8 crore deceased voters, 6.3 crore relocated individuals, about 1 crore duplicate entries, and approximately 3 crore voters who could not be verified.

Economist Surjit Bhalla has analyzed these figures, noting that while the total number of removals is high, it should not be assumed that all were erroneous. However, Bhalla estimates that in states where final lists have been released, the reasons for the removal of approximately 70 lakh eligible voters remain unclear.

In Bhopal, the local administration reported that about 4.50 lakh names were removed during the SIR process. So far, 71,000 names have been successfully reinstated, and the administration aims to increase this number to 1.80 lakh. Eligible voters whose names were removed are encouraged to check their status via the Election Commission's official website or contact their Booth Level Officer (BLO) to apply for reinstatement.