The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to launch a comprehensive cleanup operation targeting electoral rolls in 12 states and union territories, beginning November 3rd. This strategic move aims to identify and remove illegal foreign migrants who have fraudulently enrolled as voters.
Nationwide Drive Against Illegal Voter Enrollment
The special summary revision will focus on states and UTs that share international borders, including Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Gujarat. The commission has identified these regions as particularly vulnerable to illegal voter registration by foreign nationals.
Key States Under Scanner
The extensive exercise will cover:Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and eight other strategically important border states and union territories. These regions have been specifically chosen due to their geographical proximity to neighboring countries and historical patterns of illegal migration.
Targeting Specific Migrant Groups
According to official documents reviewed by Mint, the cleanup operation will specifically focus on identifying "illegal foreign migrants, including those from Bangladesh" who have managed to secure voter identification cards. This marks a significant step toward ensuring the integrity of India's electoral process.
Systematic Verification Process
The Election Commission has outlined a meticulous approach to this massive exercise:
- Comprehensive door-to-door verification of all existing voters
- Special attention to areas with high concentrations of suspected illegal migrants
- Cross-verification with other government databases
- Physical verification of suspicious entries by election officials
Timeline and Implementation
The special summary revision is scheduled to commence on November 3rd and will follow a structured timeline to ensure thorough implementation. Election officials across the targeted states have been directed to complete the verification process within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining accuracy and transparency.
This initiative represents one of the most extensive voter list purification drives in recent years, reflecting the Election Commission's commitment to preserving the sanctity of India's democratic process by eliminating fraudulent entries from electoral rolls.
