Election Commission Delays UP SIR Third Time Amid Massive Voter Deletions

UP SIR Delayed Again as Election Commission Faces Scrutiny Over Massive Voter Deletions

The Election Commission of India has once again delayed the Special Intensive Revision process in Uttar Pradesh, pushing the publication of draft electoral rolls to January 6. This marks the third revision of the SIR schedule since the exercise began. The delay comes amid growing political scrutiny, as the process is expected to remove nearly 2.89 crore names from the voter list in India’s most populous state.

Scale of Deletions Raises Political Heat

According to provisional data accessed by The Indian Express, around 2.89 crore electors, nearly 18.70 percent of the electorate, are likely to be excluded from the draft rolls. The revised list is expected to include about 12.55 crore voters. Officials said deletions are linked to deaths, migration, or duplicate registrations, with affected voters allowed to challenge removals during claims and objections.

Election Commission Explains the Delay

Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa told The Indian Express that the delay was caused by the creation of 15,030 new polling booths under a rationalisation drive. Voter names are being reassigned, part numbers allocated, and Booth Level Officers appointed. “The draft electoral roll will be published at these new booths on January 6,” Rinwa said, explaining the logistical reasons behind the extension.

Urban Districts See Maximum Impact

Data analysis shows urban areas facing the highest number of deletions. The top city is Lucknow, where about 1.2 million names have been removed, with Prayagraj next, having more than 1.15 million names removed. These regions have seen high population mobility, which officials say often leads to duplication or outdated voter records.

Reapplication Process and Political Reactions

Rinwa confirmed that voters can seek reinstatement during January. “Starting January 1, the EC will roll out a month-long process during which any of the nearly 2.89 crore voters… can reapply by filling out Form 6,” he told PTI. Opposition parties have alleged bias in the UP SIR process, claims strongly denied by the ruling BJP.

Why the UP SIR Matters Now

The reduction of voters in Uttar Pradesh has been the highest ever, overtaking even Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, and it is the first time in India that the scale of deletions has been so great. The Supreme Court is monitoring fairness closely, and the 2027 elections getting nearer make the SIR outcome significant in terms of democracy. The way the Election Commission responds to the doubts will probably determine how much people will trust the electoral process in India.