Phase Two of Electoral Roll Revision to Cover 51 Crore Voters
The Election Commission of India will launch the second phase of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories starting November 4, covering approximately 51 crore voters.
Key Takeaways
- Phase II SIR begins November 4 in 12 states/UTs
- Draft electoral rolls to be published December 9
- Final rolls to be released February 7, 2026
- Assam to have separate revision due to Citizenship Act provisions
States Covered in Phase II
The revision will cover Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal will hold assembly elections in 2026.
Special Case: Assam
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar clarified that Assam will have a separate revision process. “Under the Citizenship Act, there are separate provisions for citizenship in Assam. Under the supervision of the Supreme Court, the exercise of checking citizenship is about to be completed,” Mr. Kumar stated.
He added: “The June 24 SIR order was for the entire country. Under such circumstances, this would not have applied to Assam. So there will be separate revision orders issued for Assam, and a separate SIR date will be announced.”
Commission’s Assurance
Mr. Kumar emphasized that the SIR aims to ensure “no eligible elector is left out and no ineligible elector is included in poll rolls.” This marks the ninth such intensive revision since Independence, with the last one conducted in 2002-04.
State Cooperation
The CEC addressed concerns about potential conflicts with state governments, particularly West Bengal where the ruling party has expressed reservations. “There is no hurdle between the Election Commission and the State government. The Commission is doing its constitutional duty by carrying out the SIR, and the State government will discharge its constitutional duties,” he affirmed.
Regarding Kerala’s request to postpone SIR due to local body elections, Mr. Kumar noted that the notification for local polls was yet to be issued.
Previous Success
The first phase of SIR was successfully completed in Bihar with zero appeals, resulting in a final list of nearly 7.42 crore electors published on September 30.
Required Documents for Revision
The ECI has published an indicative list of documents acceptable for electoral roll revision:
- Government-issued identity cards or pension payment orders
- Birth certificates from competent authorities
- Passport and educational certificates
- Permanent resident certificates and caste certificates
- National Register of Citizens (where available)
- Land/house allotment certificates
- Special provisions apply for Aadhaar as per Commission guidelines
