UP BJP Intensifies Special Revision Campaign to Add 16-20 Lakh Voters Before Polls
In a significant move ahead of upcoming elections, the Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to give a final push to its coordinated Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign. This last-mile effort focuses on two key demographics: those left out of the electoral rolls and first-time voters, with the party setting ambitious targets to strengthen its voter base.
Ambitious Booth-Level Targets for Voter Enrollment
According to party sources, the state unit has established a clear objective: enroll at least 10 to 30 voters in every polling booth across Uttar Pradesh. With the state boasting over 1.6 lakh polling booths, this translates to a potential addition of 16 to 20 lakh voters to the electoral rolls. The campaign is scheduled to continue until February 6, aligning with the Election Commission's revised timeline.
Beyond mere additions, the campaign also aims to identify and remove what the party terms 'illegal' and 'unauthorised' voters from the lists. This aspect has drawn attention from opposition parties, who have previously accused BJP workers of deliberately targeting their supporters at the booth level during such exercises.
Micro-Targeting Strategy and Internal Assessments
The urgency behind this intensified SIR campaign reflects the BJP's broader strategy of micro-targeting in constituencies that have shown tight margins in past elections. Internal assessments have highlighted the need for precise voter management, prompting this booth-level focus.
This move gains further context from recent statements by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who noted that a majority of the approximately 3 crore voters left out during the SIR exercise in UP were primarily BJP supporters. The CM emphasized the necessity of gaining organisational support to coordinate effectively with the Election Commission.
Organisational Mobilization and Leadership Directives
To ensure successful implementation, UP BJP state general secretary (organisation) Dharam Pal Singh, who is leading the campaign, has instructed all key state functionaries to camp in their respective districts. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the engagement of booth-level workers and monitor progress closely.
A senior state functionary confirmed that all other poll-related activities have been temporarily put on hold to concentrate exclusively on the SIR exercise. "Party workers have been asked to intensify the campaign. Our focus is not just the voters who were left out but also the first-time voters," the functionary stated, underscoring the dual emphasis of the initiative.
Election Commission Timeline and Opposition Response
The campaign operates within a structured framework set by the Election Commission. Under the revised schedule announced on December 30, key phases include:
- Notice phase, adjudication of enumeration forms, and disposal of claims and objections from January 6 to February 6
- Final publication of the Uttar Pradesh voter list on March 6
In response to the BJP's efforts, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has urged his party workers to remain vigilant. He recently directed functionaries involved in strengthening the party at the booth level to keep a close watch on the SIR process regarding the voter list, indicating heightened political scrutiny as the revision progresses.
