The Election Commission of India (ECI) today announced the commencement of the crucial second phase of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, covering 12 states and union Territories. The move underscores the Commission’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a clean, accurate, and inclusive voter database ahead of upcoming elections.

The second phase prioritizes West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry that will go to polls in 2026. Other states and UTs involved are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. This phase will cover approximately 51 crore voters, with the enumeration process set to begin on November 4.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar detailed the process: “In the states where SIR will be conducted, electoral rolls will be frozen at midnight today. Voters will receive unique enumeration forms containing their details. Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every household up to three times. Additionally, to help migrated voters, enumeration forms can now be submitted online.”

He clarified that in Assam, where polls are also due in 2026, the revision of electoral rolls will be announced separately.

CEC Kumar greeted the voters of Bihar and praised the successful completion of Phase I, which saw participation from over 7.5 crore voters. “Today we are here regarding the rollout of the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision. The Commission also met election officials from all 36 states and discussed the process in detail,” he said.

Training for polling officials involved in Phase II will commence tomorrow, ensuring smooth execution. Kumar emphasized, “We are committed to conducting the SIR in a free, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring no eligible elector is left out and no ineligible elector is included in the poll rolls.”

The first phase of this nationwide exercise, conducted in Bihar during June and July, concluded with the publication of the final roll on September 30. Remarkably, the ECI reported “zero appeals” against wrongful deletions, highlighting the thoroughness of the process.

Prior to the launch, the Commission held a two-day Conference of Chief Electoral Officers in New Delhi to finalize the roadmap for the SIR, reflecting extensive preparation and coordination.

The comprehensive revision involves door-to-door verification of existing entries, processing claims and objections, and updating Photo ID cards (Elector Photo Identity Cards or EPICs).

This nationwide revision initiative is a vital step in strengthening India’s democratic fabric by ensuring that electoral rolls are accurate and reflective of the current population. The phased approach will continue to expand to other states and union Territories in due course.