ECI's Special Intensive Revision leads to massive voter deletions in Telangana and Karnataka
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has resulted in significant voter deletions, with nearly 22% in Telangana and 19.5% in Karnataka. These 'unkind cuts' are particularly steep in capital cities, raising concerns about disenfranchisement. The article criticizes the ECI's opacity, noting its failure to publish elector-to-population ratios and gender-wise breakdowns of deletions, making verification arduous. It highlights that the process, which places the onus on electors, leads to such large-scale cuts, questioning the ECI's role as a guardian of universal adult franchise.
Key Points
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has led to substantial voter deletions in Telangana (22%) and Karnataka (19.5%).
- Concerns are raised about disenfranchisement, especially with over half of electors deleted in some Bengaluru constituencies.
- The ECI is criticized for its opacity, failing to publish mandatory elector-to-population ratios and gender-wise deletion breakdowns.
- The process places the burden of verification on electors, contributing to the large-scale cuts.
- The article questions the ECI's commitment to universal adult franchise given these outcomes.
Exam Facts
- Process: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by Election Commission of India (ECI).
- Deletions: Nearly 22% in Telangana, 19.5% in Karnataka.
- Impact: Over 40% deletions in 9 of Hyderabad's 15 constituencies; over 50% in 5 Bengaluru constituencies.
- Previous instance: Bihar SIR; West Bengal saw 38 lakh appeals with 82,000 decided.
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