Big operation of electoral transparency begins, voter list reform campaign will change the electoral picture in 23 states from April.

The Election Commission conducts special intensive revision from time to time to keep the voter list updated. This is called SIR. Its purpose is to remove fake or duplicate names. It also involves adding new eligible voters. This process increases electoral transparency. The Commission wants that correct records of every voter should be prepared. Therefore, states have been asked to speed up preparations.

Starting from April in which states?

The Election Commission has sent instructions to 23 states and union territories. These also include Delhi, Punjab and Uttarakhand. Apart from this, states like Haryana, Himachal, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Karnataka are also in the list. The commission said the process is expected to begin from April 2026. Therefore, all the Chief Election Officers will have to complete preparations. Its aim is to prepare a comprehensive and accurate voter list.

In which states is the work going on first?

After Bihar, SIR is going on in 12 states and union territories including West Bengal, Assam. At some places this process has already been completed. The Commission had announced this in October 2025. Under this, pre-revision activities were also started. Now it will be implemented in the remaining states also. The Commission is considering this as an important step at the national level.

What are the instructions regarding preparation?

The Election Commission has sent a letter to the Chief Election Officers. It has been said that all preparations should be completed soon. Emphasis has been laid on data verification at the booth level. Voters’ documents will also be checked. The Commission wants that there should not be any kind of error. Therefore, special planning is being made at the technical and administrative level.

Why political controversy on SIR?

The SIR process has already become a cause of political controversy. There was a conflict over this in Bihar and West Bengal. Opposition parties had leveled allegations against the Election Commission. However, the Commission rejected the allegations. In some cases, petitions have also been filed in the Supreme Court. At present this matter is under consideration. Due to this, the political debate regarding SIR remains intense.

What is the stand of BJP?

Delhi BJP President has welcomed the decision of SIR. He says that this will help in removing unwanted names. BJP has prepared a team of workers for cooperation. Lawyers have also been included in this. The party said that the process should be transparent. Besides, it has been said that cooperation will be given to all the voters.

What will be the impact on voters going forward?

With the launch of SIR, voters will have to undergo document verification. New voters will get a chance to add their names. Wrong or repeated names may be removed. This will strengthen the electoral process. The Commission believes that accurate voter list is the foundation of democracy. Everyone will be keeping an eye on this process in the coming months.