Ludhiana: In the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign being conducted by the Election Commission ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab, several important facts related to the voter list have come to light. During the verification of the voter list across the state, a large number of names have come to light, which could not be verified or are no longer eligible to remain in the voter list. This action is being considered as an important step towards making the election process more transparent and credible.
According to the information received, about 20 lakh voters in the state have not submitted their verification forms back. Apart from this, 4.12 lakh voters were found missing during the verification, whose current address could not be traced. The election officials are further investigating these cases, so that the voter list can be corrected and updated.
During the revision, it was also revealed that 6.75 lakh voters have died, but their names were still registered in the voter list. Similarly, about 1.25 lakh duplicate voters have also been identified. In such cases, action will be taken as per the rules and the list will be updated.
Election officials say that the main objective of SIR is to ensure that only the names of eligible and genuine voters are included in the electoral roll. This will reduce the chances of any kind of irregularities or wrong voting during the elections. Voters who have not yet submitted their forms can also be given a chance as per the prescribed procedure.
Election experts believe that proper verification of the electoral roll is very important for the strength of democracy. A proper and updated electoral roll not only brings transparency in the electoral process, but also helps in preventing problems like fake or duplicate voting.
The Election Commission will examine all the data in detail in the next phase. The names against which any objection or claim is made will be heard as per the rules. After this, the final voter list will be released, on the basis of which the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections will be held.
