Election Commission Implements Comprehensive Electoral Roll Review Amid Opposition Allegations

India's Election Commission has undertaken an extensive special intensive revision of electoral rolls across 14 states and union territories in 2025, responding to persistent allegations of electoral irregularities from opposition parties, particularly the Congress party.

The comprehensive exercise, affecting nearly 60 crore electors, represents a systematic approach to maintaining electoral integrity through rigorous verification processes. The remaining 40 crore electors across 22 states and union territories will undergo similar scrutiny in 2026.

Institutional Response to Political Challenges

The Election Commission's methodical approach demonstrates the strength of India's democratic institutions in addressing concerns while maintaining constitutional order. The exercise has proceeded without disrupting the fundamental democratic processes, with Bihar's assembly elections serving as a notable example of peaceful electoral conduct.

For the first time in decades, Bihar's elections concluded without significant violence or the need for re-polling at any of the 243 assembly constituencies. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of proper institutional procedures and preparation.

Technological Modernisation and Efficiency

The Commission has introduced several practical improvements to enhance the electoral experience. Voters may now carry mobile phones to polling stations and deposit them in designated boxes, addressing a long-standing inconvenience. Additionally, the maximum number of voters per polling station has been reduced from 1,500 to 1,200 to minimise queues.

Officials indicate that future electoral roll maintenance will become increasingly automated and digitised, reflecting the Commission's commitment to modernising democratic processes while maintaining rigorous standards.

Legal Framework and Constitutional Authority

Despite opposition challenges, including appeals to the Supreme Court, India's highest judicial authority has upheld the Election Commission's constitutional powers to conduct special intensive revisions. The Court approved the inclusion of Aadhaar as an additional acceptable document while refusing to halt the exercise.

The Commission's primary objective remains the identification and removal of ineligible voters, including foreign nationals, through verification of birth records and documentation. This systematic approach ensures electoral rolls accurately reflect the legitimate electorate.

Implementation Across States

The Commission has demonstrated administrative flexibility by extending timelines for several states following requests from chief electoral officers. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh received revised schedules to ensure thorough completion of the verification process.

The staggered approach allows for careful attention to local circumstances while maintaining the overall integrity of the national exercise. Draft electoral rolls have been published systematically, with final rolls scheduled for publication in February 2026.

Eligible citizens are encouraged to submit applications through Form 6 or online platforms to ensure inclusion in the updated electoral rolls, maintaining the fundamental democratic principle of universal adult suffrage within a framework of verified eligibility.