Over 22 lakh names were removed from the draft voter lists of four Indian states, Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram, and Sikkim, as the Election Commission published the revised electoral rolls on July 5, 2026, as part of the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The move follows months of door-to-door verification and data collection aimed at updating the voter databases across 16 states and three Union Territories. In Odisha alone, more than 20 lakh names were deleted, marking a significant drop in the electorate from 3.33 crore to 3.13 crore. The deletion rate stood at 6.1% of the previous voter count, with officials attributing the changes primarily to deaths, migration, and duplicate registrations. The SIR process in Odisha began on May 30 and concluded on June 28, involving over 45,000 booth-level officers and thousands of volunteers. During this time, district election authorities verified the status of nearly 31.3 million electors, representing 93.97% of the total electorate. According to Chief Electoral Officer R.S. Gopalan, 832,000 names were identified as belonging to deceased individuals, 1,007,000 voters were found to have shifted residences or gone missing, and 158,000 were flagged for duplicate enrollments. Additionally, 14,000 names were excluded because their enumeration forms were not submitted by the deadline. These figures underscore the rigorous nature of the revision process, which aims to eliminate outdated or incorrect entries from the electoral records. Among the affected regions, Malkangiri constituency recorded the highest number of deletions, with 27,653 names struck off. This district, historically home to rehabilitated Bengali-speaking communities from present-day Bangladesh, saw a deletion rate of 10.96% of its electorate. Other constituencies with substantial deletions included Sambalpur, Bhubaneswar North, and Junagarh, where over 20,000 names were removed each. Migration patterns, particularly in districts like Ganjam and Cuttack, played a key role in the high deletion rates, as many residents moved temporarily for employment purposes. Despite these challenges, some districts, such as Nuapada and Subarnapur, reported lower deletion percentages, indicating regional variations in the impact of the revision. The SIR process in Odisha has sparked political debate, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) challenging the accuracy of the numbers. BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra accused the Election Commission of excluding up to 27 lakh voters instead of the officially cited 20.14 lakh. He pointed out discrepancies in the reported voter counts, noting that the state had 34 million registered voters when the SIR process began on May 14. By the time the draft electoral roll was published, the figure had dropped to 33 million, leading Mishra to argue that the gap represented 27 lakh missing voters rather than the 20 lakh acknowledged by the Commission. Mishra also highlighted that in 75 assembly constituencies, over 10,000 voters each were removed, urging the Commission to revise the draft rolls and streamline the process to avoid disenfranchisement. To address concerns, the Election Commission emphasized that the draft rolls are not final and that any voter whose name is omitted can file claims or objections through Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or via the ECINET mobile app until August 4. The final electoral rolls will be published on September 6, after all appeals have been reviewed. The Commission also reiterated its commitment to transparency, stating that the revision process ensures that no eligible voter is excluded without proper due process. A spokesperson noted that duplicate entries will be resolved by verifying their locations, and only one enrollment will be retained per individual. In addition to Odisha, the SIR process has been implemented in Manipur, Mizoram, and Sikkim, though the scale of deletions varied significantly. In Manipur, over 1.5 lakh voters were removed from a total of 20.9 lakh, with 43,000 identified as deceased and over 1 lakh having shifted residences. Mizoram, by contrast, saw the smallest percentage of deletions, with just over 46,000 names removed from its voter list. Sikkim, meanwhile, reported that 37,000 voters, or 8% of the prior list, were excluded, bringing its total down from 4.7 lakh to 4.3 lakh. The Chief Electoral Officer of Sikkim, Raj Yadav, assured that no eligible voter would lose their right to vote unless they failed to meet the necessary criteria, emphasizing the Commission’s intent to protect voting rights. Political parties and activists have raised concerns about the potential for arbitrary exclusion during the SIR process, citing past instances where large numbers of voters were removed without sufficient explanation. For example, in the first phase of the SIR in Bihar, 47 lakh voters were excluded from the final electoral roll, prompting criticism that the process could disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Similar worries have emerged in Odisha, where the BJD and Congress have called for greater oversight and clarity in how deletions are calculated. The Election Commission has responded by maintaining that all deletions are based on verifiable evidence, including death certificates, migration records, and duplicate enrollment checks, and that the process adheres strictly to legal guidelines.
10 reports
Scroll.inIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9010 days agoThe Election Commission of India published draft electoral rolls for four states—Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram, and Sikkim—as part of a special intensive revision (SIR) exercise. Over 22 lakh names were removed from the voter lists, accounting for approximately 6.1% of the previous total electorate. In Odisha, more than 20 lakh names were deleted, with reasons including deaths, migration, absence, and duplicate registrations. Manipur saw over 1.5 lakh deletions, while Mizoram had the lowest deletion rate at 5.2%. Sikkim removed 37,000 names, representing 8% of its prior voter base. Officials stated that affected individuals can challenge the removals until August 4, with final rolls expected by September 6.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the SIR process and the removal of names from electoral rolls without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on the numbers and reasons for deletions across different states, citing official figures and statements from Chief Electoral Offic
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article provides precise statistical breakdowns matching the primary source. It maintains a neutral tone while explaining the SIR process and procedures for voter claims.
The HinduIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9018 days agoThe Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for the Kurnool Assembly constituency and KMC Commissioner Challa Obulesu urged voters to cooperate with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process conducted by the Election Commission of India. He emphasized that no eligible voter's registration would be deleted and asked voters to prepare necessary documents like two passport-sized photos, a Voter ID card, Aadhaar card, or other government-issued IDs. Obulesu also encouraged Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to assist Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in expediting tasks such as filling out enumeration forms and verifying voter identities. During his inspection of polling stations, he reiterated the importance of completing the SIR process efficiently in one phase.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral account of an electoral officer's appeal to voters regarding the SIR process. There is no evident ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. The content focuses on procedural guidance and cooperation, without showing preference for any political side.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article accurately reports the SIR process and provides practical guidance to voters. It maintains a neutral tone throughout without showing favoritism to any political group.
The HinduIndependentProgressiveFactual 95Objective 9018 days ago Hariprasad asks Congress cadre to safeguard voters during SIR exerciseB.K. Hariprasad, president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), urged Congress leaders and workers to protect eligible voters' names from being removed during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka. The SIR exercise, starting on June 30, aims to update electoral rolls, but Hariprasad emphasized that the Congress opposes deletions based on caste or other non-meritorious reasons. He highlighted the importance of voting as a fundamental democratic right and called for vigilance to prevent disenfranchisement. Hariprasad mentioned similar exercises in West Bengal and Bihar and accused the BJP of using tactics to influence elections, citing the recent Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh as an example. The Congress has launched a campaign titled 'Congress Nadey Nimma Mata Rakshane Kade' to raise awareness and ensure participation in the house-to-house enumeration.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of electoral roll revisions through the lens of protecting voting rights, explicitly criticizing the BJP and accusing them of using tactics to win elections. It highlights the Congress's opposition to deletions based on caste and other factors, suggesting a defensive and
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Detailed and factual report on the launch of SIR in Karnataka, including official statements and logistical details. Neutral tone with emphasis on procedural aspects.
Scroll.inIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 8516 days ago 23 Opposition parties raise concerns about SIR in letter to chief justiceTwenty-three opposition parties in India have written to Chief Justice Surya Kant expressing concerns over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission. They allege that this process is being 'manipulated' by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and that the Election Commission is acting 'biasedly.' The letter was signed by several major opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Aam Aadmi Party, as well as an independent MP. The opposition claims that the revision of voter lists undermines democratic processes and could lead to 'vote loot' and 'stealing of elections.' Scroll.in previously analyzed West Bengal election results and found that in many constituencies where the BJP won, the number of voter deletions exceeded their victory margins. By early April, approximately 91 lakh voters had been removed from the electoral rolls, with around 34 lakh appeals still pending before tribunals. In late May, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the voter roll revisions but clarified that the Election Commission cannot determine citizenship status.
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents allegations from opposition parties against the ruling BJP and the Election Commission, suggesting collusion to manipulate electoral outcomes. While it includes some data from Scroll.in's analysis, the framing emphasizes the opposition's claims of bias and manipulation, with a l
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Accurate on the letter sending but includes analytical interpretations of election results. Slight bias in framing allegations against BJP.
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7511 days agoOdisha's draft electoral rolls, published after a month-long special intensive revision (SIR) exercise, have removed approximately 20.14 million names, reducing the electorate from 33.3 million to 31.3 million. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) attributed the deletions to deaths, migration, and duplicate enrollments, while the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) alleges that over 2.7 million eligible voters were excluded and demands a revised list. The BJD claims the drop is larger than officially acknowledged, citing discrepancies between initial registration numbers and the current draft. Voters can challenge exclusions until August 4, with final rolls expected by September 6.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the official stance of the Chief Electoral Officer and the allegations from the Biju Janata Dal, providing balanced coverage of the controversy surrounding the electoral roll revisions. It does not overtly favor one side over the other, though it includes quotes from both B
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): The article presents accurate figures aligned with the primary source but includes political allegations from the BJD. This slightly reduces the objectivity score despite maintaining overall factual accuracy.
India TodayIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 708 days agoIn Odisha, India, approximately 2.01 million voters were removed from the draft electoral roll following a door-to-door verification process conducted between May 30 and June 28. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) revealed significant deletions, particularly in migration-prone districts like Malkangiri, which saw 27,653 names struck off—representing 10.96% of its electorate. The overall electorate in the state dropped from 33,399,591 to 31,387,034. Reasons cited for the deletions include deceased voters, individuals who had moved or were absent during verification, duplicate enrollments, and failure to submit enumeration forms. The Election Commission emphasized that affected voters could still apply for inclusion during the claims and objections period. The opposition BJD and Congress have raised concerns about the scale of deletions and called for greater transparency.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on voter deletions and includes quotes from both the Election Commission and political parties. It provides balanced information without overtly favoring any side, focusing on the process and responses rather than taking a stance.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article provides detailed statistics matching the primary source but includes some specific local information not in the original report. The tone leans slightly toward the opposition's perspective but remains mostly factual.
The HinduIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 6516 days ago INDIA bloc writes to CJI on ‘biased conduct’ of EC; DMK, AAP sign letterTwenty-three opposition parties in India have jointly written to the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, accusing the Election Commission of 'biased' conduct. They highlighted concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process conducted in states like West Bengal and Bihar, as well as similar exercises elsewhere. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), though not part of the INDIA bloc, also signed the letter. The decision to send the memorandum came after an INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi on June 8, called by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following her party's loss in state elections. While the bloc did not agree to a proposed visit to West Bengal, they opted to send the letter to the judiciary instead. The Supreme Court previously ruled in favor of the SIR process in Bihar, deeming it constitutional and within the Election Commission's authority.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the Election Commission's actions as 'biased' and presents the opposition's perspective without balancing it with the Supreme Court's ruling that validated the SIR process. It emphasizes the opposition's accusations and omits direct counterpoints from the Election Commission or aν
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 65): The article accurately reports the voter deletions but shifts focus to political accusations against the Election Commission. This affects the objectivity score although the core facts align with the primary source.
Times of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 6016 days agoThe Election Commission of India has launched a special intensive revision (SIR) drive in four states—Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jharkhand—as well as Meghalaya, to verify and update electoral rolls. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting house-to-house visits between June 30 and July 29 to distribute and collect enumeration forms from existing voters. The goal is to ensure only eligible citizens are on the electoral rolls. Voters are required to fill out the forms, either in person or online via the Election Commission’s portal, and provide details from the last SIR. Draft electoral rolls will be published on August 5, allowing time for claims and objections before the final version is released on October 7.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of the SIR process without overtly favoring any political side. It explains the procedure neutrally, citing the Election Commission's actions and providing information directly from the process itself. There is no evident ideological framing or biased language
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 60): The article accurately reports the political response to SIR but focuses more on the political controversy than the actual voter deletion statistics. This affects both factual completeness and objectivity.
The HinduIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 7011 days ago 20 lakh names deleted after SIR Phase I in OdishaOver 20 lakh names were removed from Odisha's voter list following the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, according to a draft report released by the Election Commission on July 5, 2026. The total number of electors decreased from 3,33,99,591 to 3,13,87,034, with deletions primarily due to deaths, migration, absence, and duplicate enrollments. The report noted high participation in the SIR process, with over 93% of electors submitting enumeration forms. The Election Commission emphasized transparency and inclusivity, allowing affected individuals to file appeals through a structured process. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on September 6, 2026.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the SIR process and its outcomes without overtly favoring any political party or ideology. It focuses on procedural updates and statistical data rather than taking a stance on political implications. While the topic relates to electoral processes, which
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 70): The article covers a different phase of the SIR process (Delhi, Maharashtra, etc.) and contains procedural information not in the primary source. It provides useful FAQs but lacks the specific statistics from the primary document.
The PrintIndependentCenterFactual 40Objective 609 days agoThe headline reports that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the ruling party in Odisha, plans to initiate a statewide campaign concerning inaccuracies found in the state's school textbooks. The article suggests that these errors have prompted significant concern and action from the party leadership. While the content is brief, it indicates a potential political move related to educational content oversight.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a political party's planned action regarding textbook errors without overtly favoring one side or another. It does not include explicit ideological slant or emphasize particular viewpoints beyond the stated actions of the BJD.
Why these scores (Factual 40 · Objective 60): This article discusses a different topic entirely (errors in Odisha school textbooks) unrelated to the voter deletions covered in the primary source. Thus, it receives a very low factuality score. The objectivity score is moderate since it doesn't involve bias related to the voter deletion event.
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