Uttarakhand’s Voter List Sees Major Reduction with 9 Lakh Names Removed

In a significant development concerning the electoral process, around 9 lakh names have been removed from the final voter list in Uttarakhand. This adjustment comes after a special intensive revision of electoral rolls was conducted, as reported by the state Election Commission. The latest figures reveal that the state’s voter count has plummeted from 79.6 lakh to 71.5 lakh, marking a decrease of approximately 10.1%.

The voter roll revision is part of the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative, which spans across 19 states and Union Territories in India. Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer BVRC Purushottam announced that the final voter list now includes 1.2 lakh newly registered voters. Moreover, he highlighted that compared to the draft list published in July, there has been a net increase of about 25,000 electors.

During the revision process, the state’s authorities addressed claims and objections related to the voter list until August 13, with hearings and resolutions continuing until September 28. The final version of the electoral roll was subsequently published on October 3. According to Purushottam, out of the 1.29 lakh new entries, 1,04,708 names were discarded due to claims and objections, indicating a rigorous scrutiny of the electoral database.

This extensive revision exercise has sparked concerns among various stakeholders regarding the potential exclusion of genuine voters from the electoral rolls. The apprehensions come amidst broader national discussions about the integrity and accuracy of voter lists, a topic that has gained traction in recent years.

Uttarakhand’s voter roll revision is a continuation of a larger series of electoral reforms initiated in 2025, initially starting in Bihar and later expanding to more states and Union Territories. As the electoral landscape evolves, it will be crucial to ensure that the process remains transparent and inclusive, allowing every eligible citizen a fair chance to participate in the democratic process.

Source: scroll.in