2.07 crore Maharashtra voters not permanently omitted from rolls, says CEO on SIR

Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam on Aug 31 clarified that the 2.07 crore electors categorised under “Uncollectable Enumeration Forms” during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 drive are not permanently removed from the rolls.

He said the figure, accounting for 21.15 per cent of Maharashtra’s 9.78 crore electorate, marks exclusion from the draft electoral roll, not immediate deletion.

“I appeal to every voter to check the draft electoral roll. Do not merely look at statewide figures. Check whether your own name is on the list and whether your details are correct. If your name is missing, apply for inclusion. If there is an error, request a correction. If there is an issue regarding removal, you can submit Form 6 to apply for re‑inclusion. The draft list is not the final list; a complete process of claims and objections will take place before the final voter list is released,” he said.

On categorisation, Chockalingam explained that the 2.07 crore uncollected forms include 75.52 lakh absent or untraceable voters, 76.80 lakh permanently shifted, 34.81 lakh deceased, 17.63 lakh duplicate entries or voters registered elsewhere, and 2.23 lakh under other reasons.

Draft voter lists are being published on District Collector websites for citizens to verify names, with copies also provided to booth‑level agents of political parties.

Emphasising the multi‑stage nature of the process, he said 100 per cent accuracy is not claimed at this stage. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were expected to visit a voter’s house at least once, and if not found, make up to three visits. Classifications were based on the outcome of these visits.

He explained that “Absent/Untraceable” means a person remains untraceable, with status unknown; they may have shifted or be unavailable. “Permanently Shifted” is categorised only when concrete information confirms relocation. “Deceased” is based on official records, death certificates or family reports. “Duplicate/Registered Elsewhere” applies when a voter’s name is already registered in another constituency.

Provisional lists are being published, and BLOs have been instructed to verify information and assist eligible voters by collecting Form 6 or Form 8 where needed.

Acknowledging practical challenges, Chockalingam said genuine voters might have been categorised under uncollected forms by mistake. In urban areas, many residents return home only after 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. and are unavailable during standard working hours. BLOs cannot work late into the night, especially since many are women, imposing operational limitations.

“This is why I am clarifying that this process has multiple stages, and we do not claim absolute accuracy at this draft phase. The list published on August 31 is only a draft. If anyone notices an error, it can be corrected. This is not the sole responsibility of a few officials; every voter in the constituency must verify and check the draft,” he urged.

“Except for the headline, no changes have been made to the story by Education Post staff.”