The Election Commission of Uttar Pradesh has unveiled a significantly revised draft of the state's electoral roll, following a comprehensive Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The new list reflects a major cleanup, with a substantial number of ineligible names being weeded out.
Major Cleanup of Uttar Pradesh's Electoral Database
According to officials who addressed a press conference, the draft list now retains 12.55 crore (125.5 million) voters. This figure comes after the removal of a staggering 2.89 crore (28.9 million) names from the previous total. The earlier list had contained approximately 15.44 crore registered voters.
The massive deletion, accounting for 18.70 per cent of the earlier list, was not arbitrary. Authorities clarified that the exclusions were necessary and based on specific, verifiable grounds. The primary reasons cited for removing these names include the death of the voter, permanent migration out of the constituency, or instances of multiple registrations by the same individual.
Reasons Behind the Large-Scale Removal
This rigorous revision process, known as the Special Intensive Revision, is a critical step in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the electoral roll. An accurate list is fundamental to ensuring free and fair elections, as it prevents electoral fraud and ensures that voting rights are exercised legitimately.
The removal of duplicate entries and names of deceased or permanently relocated individuals helps streamline the electoral process. It reduces the potential for malpractices and ensures that administrative resources are focused on eligible voters. The press conference, held on 06 January 2026, emphasized that this exercise is a routine but vital part of electoral housekeeping.
Implications for Future Elections in UP
The publication of the draft list is not the final step. It will now be open for public scrutiny. Citizens can check their details and file claims or objections if they find discrepancies. This period allows for further corrections before the final electoral roll is published, making the process democratic and transparent.
With 12.55 crore voters now forming the proposed electoral base, Uttar Pradesh continues to hold its position as the state with the largest number of voters in India. This cleaned-up list will form the foundation for all future elections in the state, starting with the likely next round of assembly or general elections. The exercise underscores the Election Commission's ongoing efforts to ensure a clean and credible voter database for the world's largest democracy.
