Uttarakhand Voter Purge: 9 Lakh Names Dropped from Electoral Roll Ahead of 2024 Polls

Uttarakhand has witnessed a significant reduction in its electoral roll following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, with approximately nine lakh names dropped, bringing the total number of voters down to 71.59 lakh. The nearly 10% decline has raised concerns about the accuracy of the voter list and the potential disenfranchisement of eligible citizens.

The SIR, conducted by the Election Commission of India, aimed to clean up the electoral roll by removing dead, shifted, and duplicate entries. However, a large number of voters were placed in the 'uncollectable (ASDD)' category, meaning their addresses could not be verified. In response, the state will begin a special drive to enroll missing and eligible voters, ensuring that no genuine voter is left out. Official sources indicate that the drive will focus on re-verification and fresh registrations.

The development has political implications, as Uttarakhand is set to go to polls in the near future. Opposition parties have criticized the move, alleging that it could disproportionately affect certain communities. The Election Commission has assured that the process is transparent and that efforts are underway to include all eligible voters. The success of the enrollment drive will be crucial in restoring confidence in the electoral process.