BOOTH LEVEL OFFICERS
Maharashtra CEO suggested changes to SIR form to ease voter stress, BLO load; ECI ignored
Concerns were raised by the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra about the complexities surrounding the enumeration form requirements and logical inconsistencies within the process. Recommendations to simplify these procedures were presented to reduce the burden on voters, as well as booth-level officers. However, the Election Commission of India reportedly chose not to adopt these suggestions.
Telangana: Owaisi alleges bid to delete 122 Muslim voters in Goshamahal; demands ECI action over fraudulent 'Form 7' filings
Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM chief, has raised concerns regarding attempts to disenfranchise Muslim voters in Goshamahal. He cited evidence of fraudulent Form 7 submissions aiming to delete eligible voters from the rolls. A specific example highlighted involves 122 Muslim voters' names targeted for removal, despite their long-standing presence on electoral lists. Owaisi urged immediate action from the Election Commission of India in response to these fraudulent claims.
Two BLAs, others booked for alleged fraudulent deletion of 5,698 voters in Bengaluru
A case was registered against two Booth Level Agents accused of fraudulent voter deletion in Jayanagar. The complaint was filed by Karnataka Mahila Congress president Sowmya Reddy, who alleged bias against minority voters. Reddy, a former MLA, conducted an inquiry revealing false applications submitted by Ramakrishna and Yogesh. Names of innocent citizens were allegedly used without their knowledge, contributing to the fraudulent activities.
ECI took down September 26 press release after SC remarks? PIB factchecks CJP's Ashutosh Ranka's claim on form 6
The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit has rejected a claim by CJP’s Ashutosh Ranka that the Election Commission of India removed its September 26 press note on Form 6 after the Supreme Court said it had not approved modified versions of the form. The ECI said the press note remains available on its website, keeping the removal claim at the centre of the fact-check.
SIR: No names deleted so far, Karnataka CEO clarifies amid charges of bulk filing of objections
Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar stated that 58,220 objections were received in the electoral roll revision. Despite the objections, no voter names have been deleted from the draft rolls so far. The Congress party has raised concerns over alleged politically motivated objections filed primarily by the BJP. Anbukkumar emphasized that due process will be followed in examining each objection received. As of now, Karnataka's electoral rolls contain 4.
BJP activists attempting to remove names of Muslim voters through Form 7: Asaddudin Owaisi
Asaduddin Owaisi accused BJP members of submitting Form 7 to eliminate Muslim voters from electoral rolls. He called for scrutiny of these forms, alleging that names are being wrongfully removed. Owaisi threatened significant protests in Hyderabad if the actions do not cease. In response, Telangana BJP claimed Owaisi should provide evidence and pursue legal action. Both parties are engaged in a heated exchange regarding electoral integrity and voter suppression.
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Chief election commissioner Kahaniyan: There are CECs, and there are CECs — no matter their personalities, their looks have hardly been deceptive
There is a vital influence of Chief Election Commissioners in shaping India's electoral landscape. It celebrates the pivotal efforts of CECs like TN Seshan, MS Gill, and JM Lyngdoh, whose actions tackled issues like disenfranchisement and electoral malfeasance. Meanwhile, Gyanesh Kumar's current leadership faces scrutiny amid ongoing debates regarding the effectiveness of the Election Commission. The evolution within the CEC's role underscores the shifting political currents in India.
Wisest thing CEC can do is to resign: P Chidambaram on SIR row
P Chidambaram has called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation due to ongoing controversies and internal dissent. He emphasizes that opposition protests will escalate until Kumar steps down. Allegations have been made regarding improper deletions and potential bias in the voter roll revisions process. The Election Commission asserts that all actions are conducted according to due process and are unanimously approved.
16 states await SSR, Hegde case, Attorney General opinion at centre of ECI rift
Both Election Commissioners -- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi -- are learnt to have interpreted that the AG opinion and Hegde case inputs favoured resuming the decades-old convention of annual SSR, which was paused after 2024, skipped in 2025 and is yet to be announced in 2026, already late given the usual announcement timeline of May-July.
SIR: CM DK Shivakumar hails ECI special drive to enrol voters claiming victory after dharna
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar welcomed the Election Commission of India's decision for a nationwide voter enrollment drive. This initiative aims to include left-out voters and first-time electors, ensuring their voting rights are protected. The Election Commission has directed various officials to compare electoral rolls and facilitate the registration process. Awareness campaigns will also be launched to engage communities and improve voter participation.
Shivakumar, Vijayendra trade charges over 'deletion of voters' from electoral rolls
Karnataka's Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and BJP State President B Y Vijayendra are exchanging serious accusations. The conflict arises from the ongoing SIR exercise relating to voter registration and removal. Vijayendra alleges irregularities in Mysuru and other regions, while Shivakumar counters with claims of a conspiracy to disenfranchise voters. Both leaders emphasize the need for investigation into the Form-7 applications submitted by various parties.
Karnataka: FIRs registered against BJP leaders for alleged attempt to delete names of Muslim voters
Multiple FIRs have been registered in Karnataka over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Cases in Belagavi, Bidar and Mysuru involve allegations of fraudulent Form-7 applications, forged documents and attempts to remove voters' names from electoral rolls. Police said investigations are underway, while Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has also demanded action over alleged electoral fraud.
Back on voter list? EC orders special drive for left-out, new voters in states where SIR over
EC SIR News: The Election Commission has directed state poll officials to launch a special drive to identify and register eligible voters left out during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Booth Level Officers will cross-check pre-SIR and current rolls, conduct house-to-house verification and collect Form 6 applications from eligible voters, including first-time and young electors.
Goa: CEO says 88 of 97 left-out voters have filed Form 6, applications accepted
Goa's Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that most excluded voters have applied for inclusion in the electoral roll. Of the 97 excluded, 88 have filed Form 6, while three are Portuguese passport holders. Six others currently reside outside India and are being contacted by officials. A special drive will be launched to enroll left-out eligible and first-time voters in Goa.
Primary mandate of ECI to ensure citizens vote, says Bombay HC; 'people too can question SIR ordered after decades'
The Bombay High Court questioned the Election Commission's actions regarding the deletion of voter names. The court emphasized the need for continuous updates to electoral rolls instead of abrupt rejections. Citizens should have their applications kept in abeyance rather than outright rejected during the Special Intensive Revision process.
Karnataka CM Shivakumar stages dharna at ECI office, seeks FIR over bulk Form 7 filings
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar led a protest outside the Election Commission of India office in Bengaluru with his Cabinet. He accused the BJP of submitting numerous Form 7 applications to delete eligible voters from electoral rolls. Shivakumar highlighted that many targeted voters belonged to minority communities and other marginalized groups. He demanded a timely investigation into the allegations and requested immediate action from election officials.
Maharashtra CEO allows voter document submission via WhatsApp for Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer has instructed poll officials to accept voter documents through WhatsApp. The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is ongoing, with an extended deadline. Booth Level Officers will conduct household verifications where necessary following the document submissions. The Congress has raised concerns regarding the ECINet software and its impact on electoral registration.
Election Commission rolls back SIR add-on in Form 6 for new voters in states where revision is complete
The Election Commission has withdrawn the additional SIR-related declaration from Form 6 in states where SIR is completed. This decision followed the September 26 meeting among Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The declaration requirement will only apply during the Special Intensive Revision period moving forward. Sandhu and Joshi had raised multiple objections regarding modifications to the Form 6 process.
ECINet row: Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam seeks ERO powers; Congress targets CEC
Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has requested modifications to the ECINet software for handling electoral roll anomalies. The proposal allows Electoral Registration Officers to exercise greater discretion regarding discrepancies in voter documentation. As part of the changes, personal hearings for voters can be waived when sufficient documents are submitted.
BJP, RSS to hold key meeting in Mathura on Oct 3-4 to review 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Poll preparedness
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold an important meeting of their office-bearers in Mathura on October 3 and 4 ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, sources said on Tuesday.
CEC 'front for diabolical PM-HM duo', affront to Constitution: Congress
Congress has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for violating the Constitution regarding citizenship issues. Jairam Ramesh criticized the Election Commission of India's role in determining citizenship, referencing a former Supreme Court judge. He highlighted concerns about recent adjustments made to Form 6 that may disenfranchise young voters. Ramesh described the Commission's proposed measures regarding electoral rolls as insufficient and ineffective.
Sonam Wangchuk backs Oct 2 CJP protest against CEC, may not attend physically
Sonam Wangchuk expressed his support for the Cockroach Janta Party's upcoming protest on October 2. He highlighted the importance of electoral accountability in maintaining democracy and fulfilling governmental promises. Wangchuk mentioned the specific commitment made to Ladakh regarding the Sixth Schedule.
Election Commission-SIR controversy: Allegations and poll panel's responses
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi took several decisions on these matters at a meeting on September 26. The move followed reports that Sandhu and Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months to certain decisions and orders, including some they said had been issued without their knowledge.
Unanimous on SIR, EC eases voter hearings, enrolment
The Election Commission has endorsed its decisions on nationwide Special Intensive Revision and additional citizen convenience measures. Booth Level Officers will visit homes to assist persons with discrepancies in their voter registration. The Commission will review the ECINET website for compliance with regulations and will propose necessary upgrades. A special focus will be placed on registering younger voters and addressing pending reports.
EC announces home visits, help desks and extra time for voters facing notices for voter list exclusion
The Election Commission of India announced new measures to improve the voter registration process after recent issues. Extended deadlines for filing claims and objections have been set to facilitate greater inclusivity. Home visits by Booth Level Officers will assist individuals in completing necessary documentation. The commission emphasised support for marginalised groups, including those in night shelters and laborers.
Delhi SIR: ECI announces special camps on Sept 27 to enrol left-out eligible electors; 1.21 lakh Form-6 applications received
The Election Commission of India will hold special enrollment camps across Delhi on September 27. Citizens who are eligible but not included in the draft electoral roll can apply during these camps. Additionally, there will be special camps on September 29 and 30 for young electors aged 18-25 years at educational institutions. The claims and objections period will remain open until September 30 for various electoral applications.
Civic elections to be held in Kolkata, Howrah, 5 municipalities in first phase of Bengal ULB polls
The SEC said the amendment of Schedule II of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980 and the Howrah Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, and delimitation of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Dhupguri, Haldia and Jhargram municipalities have been completed.
Advani, Dhankhar, Jaishankar, Kejriwal among names cleared after verification under Delhi SIR notice
In a recent development, notable figures in Delhi, including LK Advani, Jagdeep Dhankhar, and S Jaishankar, received notices about inconsistencies in their voter registration forms. Field verification teams have cross-checked the details and confirmed their inclusion in the final electoral roll. Over 33 lakh voters faced such notices due to discrepancies with previous electoral information. The finalized electoral roll for Delhi will be available on November 4.
Supreme Court flags 'mechanical' notices in Delhi SIR, suggests allowing voters to respond through WhatsApp, email
The development took place during the hearing of a batch of pleas challenging the Delhi SIR process, particularly notices issued to voters under the category of 'logical discrepancies'.
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