New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the launch of the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories, including Gujarat. The announcement was made by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at a press conference in New Delhi, where he was joined by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sindhu and Vivek Joshi.

Other than Gujarat, the second phase will cover the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The move follows the completion of a similar exercise in Bihar earlier this year, where the final voter rolls were published on September 30. Bihar is now set to go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be announced on November 14.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar emphasised that the exercise is being undertaken in accordance with the law, which mandates periodic revision of electoral rolls before every election or as required.

Outlining key features of the SIR process, Kumar explained that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every household thrice to ensure accuracy in voter records. BLOs will help citizens verify or link their names with previous records, distribute enumeration forms, and use the all-India database available on the ECI’s voter portal.

He further stated that no polling station will have more than 1,200 voters, ensuring rationalisation and easier management on polling day. During the exercise, names of electors whose enumeration forms are received will be included in the draft rolls, while those whose details cannot be matched will be issued notices for verification.

The Chief Election Commissioner noted that the pre-enumeration phase of the nationwide exercise will begin at midnight on October 28, marking the formal start of the second phase of voter list revision.

Responding to speculation about friction with state authorities, particularly in West Bengal, Kumar said, “There is no confrontation. The Election Commission is doing its duty, and the state government will discharge its duties as well.” DeshGujarat