The Election Commission of India, acting on Supreme Court instructions, has finalized Tamil Nadu’s voter list post-Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with a staggering 97.37 lakh names excised. Released Monday, the roll now features 5.43 crore electors, marking a pivotal step in electoral hygiene.
Jilla-level stats are rolling out, culminating in Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik’s Chennai presser. Dead voters dominate the cuts, while 66 lakh removals allow reapplications through Form 6 for valid cases, incorporating fresh eligibles.
Notices reached 12.43 lakh for name errors, urging document submissions and self-certifications within deadlines. Compliance with EC’s late-January order ensures deletion rationales are publicized for data conflicts, aligning with judicial directives.
Display points include village offices, community areas, blocks, sub-divisions, and municipal wards, with a 10-day objection period. Nationally, SIR’s second round delisted 8% in select regions; Puducherry’s February 14 list counts 9.44 lakh.
This comprehensive purge addresses long-standing issues like bogus votes, bolstering trust in the electoral machinery. As stakeholders review the lists, the focus shifts to inclusive corrections, setting the stage for robust voter turnout in future elections.