India's SIR Electoral Roll Revision Flags Millions for Deletion

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls underway in several Indian states has flagged large numbers of voters for possible removal. In Karnataka, nearly half of Bengaluru's 10.3 million registered voters have been placed in the ASDDO (Absent, Shifted, Duplicate, Dead, Others) category, with a verification deadline of August 8. Election officials say the classification does not automatically delete names, and voters can seek corrections before the process ends.

In Meghalaya, the draft electoral roll released after the SIR shows 1.80 lakh electors (7.68 % of the state's electorate) excluded under ASDD categories, reducing the roll to 21.69 lakh voters. The state has opened a one‑month window for claims and objections.

Hyderabad district in Telangana reports that 9.95 lakh electors (21 % of its voters) are flagged under ASDDO, prompting a reverification order before finalisation.

The Karnataka Congress party has accused the BJP‑led government of using the SIR to delete over one crore voters, alleging political bias in the process. Election authorities across the states maintain that deletions are not automatic and that affected voters can appeal.

Overall, the SIR exercise covers tens of millions of voters nationwide, with authorities urging citizens to check their status and submit objections where needed.