VOTER ENUMERATION ISSUES BENGAL
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.
Bypolls see high turnout in Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam
The assembly bypolls in Nandigram witnessed a voter turnout of 79.39% and Rejinagar at 78.42%. Congress party members voiced accusations of vote rigging and intimidation, consequently pushing for a repoll. Tamil Nadu reported impressive turnout figures as well, with Madurantakam at 83.86% and Dharapuram at 78.53%. Meanwhile, Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha seat recorded a turnout of 76%, with election results slated for an announcement on October 9.
Rejinagar bypoll: AJUP chief Humayun Kabir detained after heated clash with police
Humayun Kabir was detained due to a confrontation with police at his party office during the bypoll. He criticized the heavy police presence near his residence and polling booths before voting. After casting his vote, Kabir accused the police of voter intimidation and partisanship while arguing with them. The Rejinagar assembly seat became vacant after Kabir retained Nowda in the previous election.
Bypolls 2026: Four regions, six seats and a fresh test for India’s political map
Voting began in six constituencies across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry on Tuesday morning. The results of the elections will be announced on October 9, carrying political significance for various parties. In West Bengal, the focus includes the symbolic Nandigram constituency and its contest involving various candidates. Assam's Nagaon constituency is experiencing a triangular contest among prominent parties, including the BJP and Congress.
Protests erupt across India demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over voter list manipulation
Protests have emerged across India as citizens demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators claim that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process threatens voter rights and favors the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics say this process requires complex documentation that may disenfranchise vulnerable communities and lead to significant voter list reductions. Opposition parties and activists are calling for more independent election oversight.
Nandigram bypoll peaceful so far, Suvendu Adhikari eyes 85% turnout
Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, reported peaceful polling in the Nandigram by-election. Around 50 percent of voters had participated by midday as he cast his vote. He anticipated a turnout exceeding 85 percent based on historical trends in the constituency. Adhikari mentioned he would continue to serve as the MLA for Bhabanipur while promising to remain a voter in Nandigram.
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Voter registration Texas: Have you registered to vote in Texas? Deadline looms for the Nov. 3 election amid registration system issues
Texas has set October 5 as the final date for voter registration ahead of the November 3 election. Voters can register online but must return the application via mail or in person. Early voting is scheduled from October 19 to October 30, allowing citizens to participate in the upcoming elections. Concerns have been raised regarding the Texas Election Administration Management system affecting registrations.
HC declines to pass urgent interim order staying voter deletion under SIR in Maharashtra
The Bombay High Court has decided not to intervene in the voter deletion issue in Maharashtra for now. While hearing a petition, the court referenced ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court that will address the matter. The petitioner alleged improper voter exclusions during recent enumeration activities conducted by the Election Commission of India. The high court has scheduled further hearings for three weeks in the future.
Democracy in 'great peril' as 'malfunctioning' EC deletes voters: Former SC judge Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman
Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman has raised alarms about democracy's integrity due to unauthorized voter removals. He highlighted that around 90 lakh voters in West Bengal have been disenfranchised, with many unable to appeal against their deletions. Nariman criticized the Election Commission's appointment process and its functioning, suggesting the need for reform. Concerns about disenfranchisement were echoed by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasizing its arbitrary nature.
BJP fields Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand, Koel Mallick from West Bengal for RS polls
To counter Congress's allegations, the BJP has nominated Dinesh Arya, a candidate from Haldwani, for the Rajya Sabha seat in Uttarakhand, targeting Dalit voters. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the party has announced the selection of actress Rukmini Mallick following her exit from TMC. These nominations reveal BJP's tactical efforts to strengthen its position in regional politics before the elections.
SC to hear on Oct 5 pleas for suspension of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, undoing 'unauthorised' actions
The Supreme Court plans to hear pleas regarding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's alleged unilateral decisions and actions. Petitioners Rakesh Kumar Singh and Shailendra Mani Tripathi challenge Kumar's adherence to collective decision-making principles. They seek his suspension pending a final ruling and the appointment of officials based on consensus.
West Bengal bypolls: Nandigram, Rejinagar see final campaign push ahead of October 6 vote
Political parties in West Bengal are ramping up their campaigns for the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls. Congress nominee Milan Pradhan has been actively canvassing after his recent bail, having faced multiple legal issues. The BJP's Hasirai Rath is also campaigning vigorously, receiving support from senior party leaders. Other parties, including the Left and ISF, are competing in both constituencies to gain voter support.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The great Indian trust bust: Why GoI shouldn't simply defend SIR numbers, but demand explanations
Public trust in the electoral process is being eroded, significantly linked to the implementation of SIR. Recent surveys indicate that the perception of free and fair elections has deteriorated markedly among the populace. Furthermore, the exclusion of millions from electoral rolls raises significant concerns regarding electoral integrity. Allegations of bias and irregularities in the Election Commission's operations have intensified the scrutiny of the SIR 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.
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.
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.
Congress to protest across Maharashtra on September 28 to demand action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Congress announced on Saturday that it will stage protests across Maharashtra on September 28, demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party alleged that 13 crore voters were removed from electoral rolls across the country during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and that 47 lakh voters had been added to the electoral rolls before the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections. The party said that its leader Rahul Gadhi's repeated claims of "vote theft" have been vindicated.
RJD stages protest in Ranchi, seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
RJD workers staged a protest at Ranchi's Albert Ekka Chowk, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest arose from accusations of unfair electoral advantages given to BJP through manipulated electoral rolls. RJD leaders claimed that around 65 lakh names in Bihar and 27 lakh names in Bengal were removed from voter rolls.
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.
Women voters outnumber men in Arunachal Pradesh final electoral rolls show
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain said that with July 1, 2026, as the qualifying date, the final rolls show that Arunachal Pradesh now has a total of 6,96,026 registered voters, comprising 3,52,315 women, 3,43,709 men, and two third-gender electors.
Bimal Jalan, ex-IAF chief NAK Browne receive notices over Delhi SIR discrepancies
Notices have been issued to prominent Delhi voters regarding electoral roll discrepancies. Former RBI governor Bimal Jalan and ex-IAF chief NAK Browne are among those notified. These notices are part of an ongoing exercise covering over 97 lakh registered voters. The electoral authorities are examining submitted documents for verification purposes. Final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on November 4.
TMC's Saket Gokhale targets CEC, asks where he was registered as voter during 2002-03 SIR
In a post on X, Gokhale, a former Rajya Sabha MP, said Kumar is shown as a voter in Delhi's electoral roll, registered as Gyanesh Kumar, son of Subodh Kumar. He said Kumar was born in Uttar Pradesh, is a Kerala cadre officer, and has done postings in Delhi.
'Method Of Disenfranchising Indians': Congress slams SIR
The Congress party has criticized the Election Commission's voter list revision exercise. They allege this process is a method of disenfranchising Indian citizens. Large numbers of notices have been issued for discrepancies in voter details. The opposition claims this disproportionately affects disadvantaged sections of society. The Election Commission states the revision will cleanse the voter list of ineligible entries.
Delhi CM, EC Sandhu, Advani, Jaishankar get SIR notices for 'discrepancies' in voter details
Notices for voter detail discrepancies have been issued to many prominent figures. These include LK Advani and Arvind Kejriwal, among others. Most notices relate to data mismatches from the 2002 enumeration exercise. Election officials stated these are system-generated notices for data correction. The process aims to rectify voter information within the ECINET system.
S Jaishankar, ex-Army chief Upendra Dwivedi, CBI Director Praveen Sood get SIR notices in Delhi
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CBI Director Praveen Sood and former Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi are among prominent people served notices during Delhi's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Their records could not be linked to the 2002 electoral roll. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and his family also received notices, while Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's electoral entry has been cleared following verification. The Delhi CEO has clarified that receiving a notice does not automatically mean deletion from the voter list
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