The Election Commission begins the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase 2 across 12 states and Union Territories to update and authenticate India’s electoral rolls ahead of major upcoming polls.

Introduction: India’s Voter Verification Drive Gets a Major Push

In one of the largest electoral revision exercises in recent years, the Election Commission of India (EC) has launched Phase II of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across nine states and three Union Territories. The campaign, which commenced on November 4, is designed to ensure that every eligible citizen’s name finds a rightful place in the electoral rolls while weeding out duplication and inaccuracies that weaken democratic accountability.

Context and Background: A Nationwide Clean-Up of Electoral Records

The SIR is not a routine revision—it is an intensive, targeted cleanup of electoral records that the Election Commission conducts periodically to strengthen the credibility of India’s voter lists. The first phase of this exercise was carried out in Bihar between June and September 2025. After its completion, the poll body shifted focus to a wider rollout covering the rest of the country.

Special Intensive Revision exercises have deep roots in India’s electoral history. Since the country’s first general election in 1951, the EC has conducted eight such rounds, the last of which took place between 2002 and 2004. The renewed Phase II marks a long-awaited return of this initiative in response to growing concerns over voter data accuracy, migration patterns, and instances of wrongful inclusion or deletion.

Main Developments: The Scale and Scope of the SIR Phase 2

Phase II of the revision covers approximately 51 crore registered electors across the states of Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, along with the Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Collectively, the drive spans 321 districts and 1,843 Assembly constituencies.

The enumeration stage, which constitutes the backbone of the exercise, runs until December 4. Draft electoral rolls are scheduled for release on December 9, with final lists expected to be published on February 7, 2026.

Over 5.3 lakh booth-level officers (BLOs) and 7.6 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) have been deployed, alongside 10,448 Electoral Registration Officers and 321 District Election Officers. These teams are conducting door-to-door visits at least three times, distributing semi-pre-filled forms that help streamline voter verification and corrections.

Each elector listed as of October 27, 2025, will receive a unique enumeration form for validation. Citizens may cross-check their details online through the Election Commission’s official voter portal (voters.eci.gov.in) or connect with officers using the ECINet app’s “Book-a-call with BLO” feature. Voters can also dial 1950 for local electoral assistance.

Expert Insight: Addressing the Core of Electoral Accuracy

Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, speaking about similar large-scale revisions in the past, has often noted that such exercises are essential for maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process. “A transparent voters’ list is the backbone of democracy. The EC’s door-to-door verification ensures inclusivity, minimizes errors, and boosts voter confidence,” he has said in prior interviews.

Election experts have welcomed the move as a proactive step toward cleansing outdated records. Analysts point to challenges like frequent migration, double registration, and non-removal of deceased voters as long-standing issues that risk undermining electoral fairness. With young citizens turning 18 in large numbers each year, an updated database also helps integrate first-time voters smoothly into the democratic process.

However, the process is not without challenges. States such as Assam, where the National Register of Citizens (NRC) verification is court-monitored, will follow a separate track under Supreme Court supervision. Officials there are balancing citizenship verification with voter inclusion under the relevant provisions of the Citizenship Act.

Impact and Implications: Strengthening Democracy Ahead of Key Elections

The timing of the SIR Phase 2 is particularly significant. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry are due for assembly elections in 2026, making this revision vital for the accuracy of voter data. Clean and transparent rolls ensure fair competition for parties and confidence among citizens that their votes will count without duplication or manipulation.

For administrators, it is also an opportunity to recalibrate electoral infrastructure—BLO networks, mobile support systems, and digital platforms—before the next election cycle. The EC’s integration of technology, including mobile apps and online verification tools, marks a transition toward a more inclusive and connected voter engagement model.

Moreover, by removing ineligible entries and capturing newly eligible voters, the exercise directly combats voter suppression and contributes to higher participation rates in the national elections expected in 2029.

Conclusion: A Renewed Commitment to Free and Fair Elections

With the launch of SIR Phase 2, the Election Commission has reaffirmed its constitutional commitment to conduct free and fair elections grounded in verified, error-free voter rolls. The massive logistical effort reflects India’s evolving electoral management capabilities—balancing on-ground verification with technology-driven transparency.

As the enumeration progresses, millions of citizens across 12 regions will play an active role in shaping a more accountable and authentic democratic register—one name at a time.

Disclaimer:This article is based on official information released by the Election Commission of India and verified public domain data. It aims to provide factual, analytical coverage of the Special Intensive Revision process.