SIR Draft List Released In Uttar Pradesh, Parties Cry Foul
- SIR draft list shows large voter deletions across Uttar Pradesh
- SIR draft list sparks political row ahead of 2027 elections
The SIR draft list released in Uttar Pradesh has triggered a major political debate, with claims of large-scale voter deletions during the Special Comprehensive Revision process. According to the information available, around 2.89 crore voters have been removed from the draft voter list prepared under the SIR exercise. Officials have stated that the deletions were made due to reasons such as change of address, death, migration, and cases where the same person was registered as a voter in more than one place.
The Election Commission has clarified that the SIR draft list is not final. Therefore, voters whose names were removed still have time to respond. Officials said objections can be raised until February 6. Eligible voters can also apply again to have their names included. As per the data released, about 18.7 percent of voters in Uttar Pradesh were removed during the SIR process. Meanwhile, this figure has raised serious concerns among opposition parties.
The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have strongly criticised the scale of deletions in the SIR draft list. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav alleged that Muslims, Dalits, and backward class voters are being selectively targeted. He also criticised what he described as a plan to remove 50,000 votes from each area in constituencies won by the India Alliance in the last elections. These allegations have intensified the political confrontation over the revision exercise.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has responded by forming district-level committees. The party said these teams will work to ensure that eligible voters do not lose their voting rights due to the SIR draft list. Congress leaders have stated that they will help voters file objections and reapply where necessary. Therefore, the issue has now moved beyond administrative scrutiny into an organised political campaign.
The controversy around the SIR draft list comes at a sensitive time, as Uttar Pradesh is scheduled to face Assembly elections again in 2027. Opposition parties argue that such a large number of deletions could influence electoral outcomes if not corrected. On the other hand, election officials maintain that the process follows established rules and provides adequate time for corrections.
As the February 6 deadline approaches, political parties and civil groups are expected to increase outreach efforts. The final voter list will be closely watched, as the outcome of this revision could shape the political landscape in the state ahead of the next elections.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates
