A major political storm has erupted in Kerala over the state's voter list, with a staggering 24.08 lakh names being eliminated during a recent revision process. The contentious Special Summary Revision (SSR) of 2024 has drawn sharp criticism from major political parties, who are alleging widespread procedural flaws and demanding immediate corrective action from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Massive Deletions Spark Widespread Alarm
The scale of the deletions has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum. According to the final electoral roll published on January 22, 2025, the total number of voters in Kerala now stands at 2,75,98,240. This figure represents a net decrease from the previous list, a fact that has become the central point of contention. Political parties argue that the process of identifying and removing duplicate or ineligible voters was deeply flawed and has potentially disenfranchised a large number of legitimate citizens.
Leaders from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), who are usually at odds, have found common ground in their criticism of the revision. Both fronts have submitted detailed memorandums to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Kerala, highlighting specific irregularities and calling for a thorough review. The BJP has also voiced similar concerns, making it a rare issue of unanimous political agreement in the state.
Alleged Flaws in the Enumeration Process
The core of the dispute lies in the methodology employed during the Special Summary Revision. Parties have pointed out several critical issues. A primary allegation is that the house-to-house verification conducted by booth-level officers (BLOs) was grossly inadequate. Many BLOs reportedly failed to physically visit residences, instead relying on outdated data or making entries without proper verification. This led to many eligible voters, particularly those who had moved within the state, being marked as "absent" or "dead."
Furthermore, the process for handling Form 7 applications (for objection to inclusion of a name) and Form 8 applications (for correction of entries) is under scrutiny. Parties claim that deletions were often made based on unverified Form 7 claims, without giving the concerned voter a proper hearing or chance to defend their inclusion. There are also reports of technical glitches in the Electoral Roll Management System and a lack of sufficient public awareness campaigns about the revision dates, which may have prevented many from applying for inclusions or corrections in time.
"The entire process was riddled with errors," stated a representative from the UDF. "We have provided lists of thousands of genuine voters in each constituency who have been wrongly removed. This undermines the very foundation of our democratic process."
Political Fallout and Next Steps
The controversy has significant implications for the upcoming electoral battles in Kerala. With the state known for its tight political contests, even marginal changes in the voter list can alter outcomes. The removal of 24.08 lakh voters, if not rectified, could disproportionately affect certain demographics or regions, leading to accusations of a tilted playing field.
In response to the uproar, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer has acknowledged receiving the complaints. Officials have indicated that they are examining the representations and that a mechanism for addressing genuine grievances will be outlined. The ECI's guidelines allow for continuous updating of rolls, and there is likely to be pressure to open a special correction drive before any major election is announced.
The key demands from the political fronts include:
- Re-verification of all deletions made during the SSR 2024.
- Restoration of names of legitimate voters based on proof of residence.
- Strict action against BLOs who failed to perform their duties properly.
- A transparent and extended period for filing claims and objections.
This incident has put the focus squarely on the integrity of the voter enumeration process in India. As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on the Election Commission to ensure that the final electoral roll for Kerala is accurate, inclusive, and beyond reproach, safeguarding the fundamental right to vote for every eligible citizen.
