The Maharashtra Congress on 22 September 2026 raised alarm over the removal of more than 2.06 crore names from the state’s electoral rolls during the ongoing SIR. The party submitted a memorandum to the CEO S. Chockalingam, seeking an inquiry, physical verification and a two‑month extension for filing objections.
Key Developments
- Congress alleges that out of 9,78,54,049 registered voters, 2,06,88,487 (21.14%) were placed in the ASDDO bucket.
- Approximately 1,22,24,007 voters are to receive notices for discrepancies or failure to map with the 2002 roll.
- Congress highlights 25,000 alleged duplicate entries in six Nagpur‑district assembly constituencies.
- The notice‑serving period (31 Aug‑30 Sep 2026) overlapped with major festivals – Janmashtami, Bail Pola and Ganeshotsav – and began 15‑20 days late.
- The party demands a mandatory two‑month extension for filing Form 6, at least three hearing opportunities, and compulsory home visits for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and medically incapacitated voters.
Important Facts
• Deletion window: Between the 2024 assembly elections and 31 August 2026, over 2.06 crore names were removed.
• Absent/Shifted/Dead/Duplicate/Others (ASDDO): 1,54,39,754 voters marked as absent, untraceable or permanently shifted.
• Duplicate entries: Concentrated in Kamthi, Hingna, Ramtek, Umred, Saoner and Katol constituencies.
• Form 7 (deletion challenge) – Congress seeks mandatory notice and hearing before any name is deleted.
Exam Relevance
The episode illustrates the functioning of the ECI and its state machinery. Understanding the roll‑revision process, categories like ASDDO, and grievance mechanisms (Form 6, Form 7) is essential for GS‑2 (Polity) and for analysing electoral integrity, a recurring UPSC theme.
Way Forward Suggested by Congress
- Immediate physical verification of all deleted names.
- Extension of the claims and objections period by two months.
- Three‑stage hearing process with opportunity to submit evidence.
- Acceptance of alternative identity documents (Aadhaar, PAN, ration card, assessment extract, school leaving certificate, MGNREGS job card) for correcting discrepancies.
- Mandatory home visits for vulnerable voters before deletion.
- Appointment of assistant BLO in booths with >600 voters to reduce reliance on school teachers during exam periods.