22 Lakh Names Struck Off in Four States After Summary Revision
Over 22 lakh names have been removed from the draft electoral rolls in four states following the Special Summary Revision (SIR) process. The deletions were reported in Assam, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan, according to official data released by the Election Commission of India. The exercise aims to clean up duplicate entries, deceased voters, and those who have shifted residences.
Breakdown of Deletions
In Assam, approximately 8.5 lakh names were removed, while Delhi saw around 5.2 lakh deletions. Jammu and Kashmir reported 4.8 lakh names struck off, and Rajasthan accounted for 3.6 lakh. The Election Commission stated that the deletions were carried out after field verification and public notices. "The SIR process is routine and ensures accuracy of electoral rolls," a Commission official said.
Political Reactions
The removal has sparked political debate, with opposition parties alleging targeting of specific communities. In Tamil Nadu, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin defended the party's stance on minority rights. "The DMK remains a protective fortress for minorities, including Muslims, and will continue to safeguard their interests," he said in a statement. He accused the BJP-led central government of using the SIR to disenfranchise minority voters.
Impact on Voter Base
The deletions could affect the electoral landscape in these states, particularly in constituencies with significant minority populations. The Election Commission assured that affected individuals can file claims and objections to restore their names. The final electoral rolls will be published after the revision process concludes in August 2026.
