How will ‘politics’ of SIR prove to be beneficial for BJP and the opposition?

The SIR process begins today, Tuesday, in 12 states and union territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, with a deadline of February 7, 2026.

New Delhi: Following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar, the Election Commission has announced the commencement of the SIR process in 12 states across the country. The Commission states that this SIR is being conducted to remove duplicate names from the voter list and to remove the names of deceased voters.

The SIR process begins today, Tuesday, in 12 states and union territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, with a deadline of February 7, 2026.

Of the 12 states in which the Election Commission has announced the commencement of the SIR process, assembly elections are scheduled for four in 2026, three in 2027, and three in 2028. Thus, elections are scheduled to be held in all 10 states within the next three years.

SIR in 12 states starting today

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is now underway in 12 states and union territories across the country starting Tuesday. This is the second phase of the SIR, which includes the states of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry, along with two union territories: Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar.

The first phase of the SIR was conducted in Bihar, and the second phase prioritizes states where elections are scheduled within the next three years. Although Assam is also due for assembly elections in 2026, Assam has not been included in this SIR process.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has stated that the revision of the voter list in Assam will be announced separately. Due to the ongoing citizenship verification process in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court, the Commission has decided to conduct the SIR in Assam at a later date.

When will elections be held in SIR states?

The Election Commission's second phase of the SIR includes four states, excluding Assam, where assembly elections are scheduled for early next year, i.e., 2026. West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Puducherry are scheduled for next year.

Goa, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to hold assembly elections in 2027. Goa and Uttar Pradesh will hold assembly elections in March next year, and Gujarat will hold elections at the end of the year. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan will hold assembly elections in 2028. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, do not have a legislative assembly, which is why elections are not held.

Political Equations of SIR States

The states included in the second phase of the SIR by the Election Commission have governments run by both the BJP and opposition parties. Opposition parties are in power in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, while the BJP is in power in Goa, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Furthermore, the BJP is not in power in Puducherry, but is an ally.

The 12 states where the second phase of the SIR is underway have a voter base of approximately 510 million. Uttar Pradesh alone has the highest number of voters at 154.4 million, followed by West Bengal with 76.6 million, Tamil Nadu with 64.1 million, Madhya Pradesh with 57.4 million, Rajasthan with 54.8 million, and Chhattisgarh with 21.2 million.

Why is the SIR needed?

The Election Commission explained why the SIR process is necessary. According to the Election Commission, rapid displacement of people is a major reason for this, driven by the changing urbanization of the country. Secondly, many people have their names registered in two places on the voter list.

Third, names of voters should not be removed from the electoral rolls even after their death. Fourth, a large number of people have illegally added their names to the electoral rolls in various parts of the country. All these aspects must be thoroughly investigated during the SIR process.

During the SIR, each voter will be given a unique form containing information such as their old address, photo, etc. If the voter no longer resides at that address, they can make corrections. The Commission has advised voters to attach color photographs to the counting form so that their faces can be clearly visible on the identity cards to be issued.

The Election Commission states that the SIR process was initiated following repeated questions raised by political parties regarding irregularities in the electoral rolls. The aim is to ensure complete accuracy and transparency. The Commission stated that the SIR is a constitutional process.

Who benefits and who loses from SIR?

The opposition has begun raising questions about the SIR process being conducted by the Election Commission. West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are states where the BJP has never been in power. The TMC is in power in Bengal, the Left in Kerala, and the DMK in Tamil Nadu. The BJP has long eyed these states, but coming to power has failed to fulfill its ambitions. Furthermore, the BJP is in power in the remaining states and is in a strong position.

The opposition alleges that the SIR campaign is targeting minorities, SC/STs, and women to benefit BJP-supporting voters. The DMK and TMC have termed this move by the Election Commission as an affront to democracy.