Overview On January 10, 2026 , Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns regarding the credibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI) . This came after discrepancies arose during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh . Yadav questioned how BJP leaders knew the number of voters to be removed before the official draft list was even released. Key Developments Special Intensive Revision (SIR): Conducted in Uttar Pradesh to update electoral rolls. Draft Voter List: Released on January 6, 2026 , showing a significant reduction in voters. Allegations: Akhilesh Yadav alleged that BJP leaders had prior knowledge of the number of voters to be removed. ECI's Explanation: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa stated that 2.89 crore voters were excluded due to deaths, permanent migration, or multiple registrations. Final List: The final electoral list is scheduled to be published on March 6, 2026 . Concerns Raised by Akhilesh Yadav Credibility of ECI: Yadav questioned the impartiality of the ECI , given the prior statements by BJP leaders. Discrepancies in Voter Data: He highlighted the difference between the number of rural voters in Panchayat elections ( 12.69 crore ) and Assembly elections ( 12.56 crore ), questioning the data provided by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) . Delay in Panchayat Election List: Yadav questioned the delay in releasing the final voter list for Panchayat elections, suggesting it might be to conceal discrepancies. Official Figures Total Voters Excluded: 2.89 crore (18.70% of the earlier list). Total Voters Retained: 12.55 crore out of the original 15.44 crore . UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS2: Polity and Governance , specifically concerning the role and functions of the Election Commission of India , electoral processes, and issues related to voter list management. It also touches upon the importance of free and fair elections in a democratic system. Key Terms for UPSC Election Commission of India (ECI): An autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India. Electoral Roll: The official list of persons eligible to vote in an election. Booth Level Officer (BLO): An official responsible for updating and maintaining electoral rolls at the grassroots level. Special Intensive Revision (SIR): An exercise conducted to update and purify the electoral rolls. Possible Exam Questions Discuss the role and importance of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections. Analyze the concerns raised by political parties regarding the revision of electoral rolls and their impact on the electoral process. Evaluate the significance of voter list accuracy in maintaining the integrity of democratic elections.