UP Electoral Rolls Revised: Significant Name Removals Raise Concerns
Uttar Pradesh electoral rolls see major revision with 18.7% names removed.
Photo by Ian Talmacs
Key Facts
Names removed: 2.89 crore (18.7%)
Deceased voters: 46.23 lakh (2.99%)
Migrated voters: 2.17 crore (14.06%)
Multiple registrations: 25.47 lakh (1.65%)
New polling stations: 15,030
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Electoral processes, Election Commission of India
Connects to syllabus topics like Representation of People Act, electoral reforms, role of ECI
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on electoral integrity
Visual Insights
Uttar Pradesh: Percentage of Voter Deletions by District
This map highlights the districts in Uttar Pradesh with the highest percentage of voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 2026. Lucknow and Ghaziabad show the highest percentages.
Loading interactive map...
Key Statistics: UP Electoral Roll Revision 2026
Key statistics from the Uttar Pradesh electoral roll revision, highlighting the scale of deletions and their attributed causes.
- Total Names Removed
- 2.89 Crore
- Percentage of Names Removed
- 18.7%
- Deletions due to Migration
- 2.17 Crore
- New Polling Stations Added
- 15,030
Indicates the scale of revision and potential impact on voter turnout.
Highlights the significant proportion of voters affected by the revision.
Reflects the impact of internal migration on electoral rolls.
Shows efforts to improve voter access and reduce crowding at polling stations.
More Information
Background
The practice of maintaining electoral rolls in India dates back to the country's first general election in 1951-52. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, laid the legal framework for the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls. Initially, the process was manual and prone to errors.
Over the decades, significant reforms have been introduced, including the introduction of photo electoral rolls, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the use of technology for data management and verification. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently worked to improve the accuracy and inclusivity of electoral rolls, addressing issues like voter registration, deletion of deceased voters, and prevention of multiple registrations. The introduction of Aadhaar linkage with voter IDs aimed to further streamline the process and reduce discrepancies.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the ECI has focused on enhancing voter participation and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Initiatives like the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program aim to increase voter awareness and turnout. The introduction of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) alongside EVMs has added a layer of transparency and accountability.
The ECI has also been actively addressing concerns related to data privacy and security in the context of digital electoral rolls. Looking ahead, the ECI is expected to further leverage technology to improve the efficiency and accuracy of electoral roll management, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis and fraud detection. The ongoing debate around electoral reforms, including issues like remote voting and campaign finance, will likely shape the future of electoral processes in India.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. 2. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a process of impeachment similar to that of a Supreme Court judge. 3. The ECI has the power to delimit constituencies and prepare electoral rolls for all elections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The ECI is a constitutional body with the powers and responsibilities mentioned in the statements. The Chief Election Commissioner's removal process is indeed similar to that of a Supreme Court judge, and the ECI is responsible for delimitation and electoral roll preparation.
2. Which of the following factors can lead to the deletion of a voter's name from the electoral roll? 1. Death of the voter 2. Permanent migration to another constituency 3. Multiple registrations in different constituencies 4. Temporary absence from the constituency during revision Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1, 2 and 3 only
- C.2, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B
Death, permanent migration, and multiple registrations are valid reasons for deleting a voter's name from the electoral roll. Temporary absence is not a valid reason.
3. Assertion (A): Large-scale removal of names from electoral rolls can raise concerns about disenfranchisement. Reason (R): The Election Commission of India is mandated to ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: B
Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason doesn't directly explain the assertion. While large-scale removals can raise disenfranchisement concerns, the ECI's mandate to include all eligible citizens is a separate but related issue.
4. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Representation of the People Act, 1950?
- A.It provides for the allocation of seats and the delimitation of constituencies for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- B.It lays down the procedure for preparing and revising electoral rolls.
- C.It specifies the qualifications for voters and candidates in elections.
- D.It empowers the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections.
Show Answer
Answer: D
While the Representation of the People Act, 1950 deals with allocation of seats, delimitation, and electoral rolls, the empowerment of the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections is primarily derived from the Constitution of India (Article 324) and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Part of Story Threads
Electoral Roll Revision Concerns - January 2026
Controversies surrounding electoral roll revisions in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, including allegations of voter deletion and flawed processes.
Electoral Roll Revision Controversy, January 2026
Controversy surrounding the revision of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal in January 2026, including allegations of politically motivated voter deletion and the Election Commission's defense of its actions.
Source Articles
Election Commission publishes draft electoral rolls for three States and two UTs - The Hindu
2.89 crore voters deleted in Uttar Pradesh draft electoral rolls after SIR - The Hindu
Serious irregularities in Assam draft electoral roll after Special Revision, claims Congress - The Hindu
Ideology, incumbency, polarisation: Key Indian elections to watch in 2026 - The Hindu
TMC MP files application in Supreme Court alleging procedural irregularities in SIR in West Bengal - The Hindu