ECI Extends SIR Deadline To 11 December Across 12 States & UTs
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the timeline for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories. In a notification issued on Sunday, the Commission confirmed that the enumeration period has been pushed to 11 December, a week beyond the earlier deadline of 4 December, in an effort to ensure that all pending processes are completed thoroughly.
As per the revised schedule, rationalisation and re-arrangement of polling stations will also conclude on 11 December. The preparation of the draft roll and the updating of the control table will take place between 12 and 15 December. The draft electoral roll will be published on 16 December, followed by a month-long window for claims and objections, ending on 15 January. The notice phase will continue from 16 December to 7 February, and the checking of health parameters of rolls will be completed by 10 February. The final publication of the updated electoral roll is scheduled for 14 February.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also expressed 'serious concerns' over the ongoing revision, urging the ECI to intervene. The allegations have included claims that multiple Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have died since the process began, some reportedly by suicide, a charge the BJP has strongly rejected as politically motivated.
SIR Exercise Across 12 States and UTs
The SIR exercise is currently being conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The revision involves the verification of voter details, updating entries, and re-assessing polling station arrangements to ensure accuracy ahead of forthcoming elections.As per the revised schedule, rationalisation and re-arrangement of polling stations will also conclude on 11 December. The preparation of the draft roll and the updating of the control table will take place between 12 and 15 December. The draft electoral roll will be published on 16 December, followed by a month-long window for claims and objections, ending on 15 January. The notice phase will continue from 16 December to 7 February, and the checking of health parameters of rolls will be completed by 10 February. The final publication of the updated electoral roll is scheduled for 14 February.
Why West Bengal’s SIR Has Become Contentious
While the revision process remains administrative in most states, West Bengal continues to witness political tensions around the SIR exercise. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Commission of irregularities, alleging bias, mismanagement and undue pressure during the revision. At a recent meeting, the party criticised the Commission’s explanations and described the responses as 'outright lies', further widening the divide.Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also expressed 'serious concerns' over the ongoing revision, urging the ECI to intervene. The allegations have included claims that multiple Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have died since the process began, some reportedly by suicide, a charge the BJP has strongly rejected as politically motivated.
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