Photo Credit: The Hindu
In a landmark move not seen in two decades, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a special summary revision of electoral rolls in five assembly constituencies ahead of the June 19 by-elections. This marks the first time since 2006 that the Commission has ordered a voter list revision specifically for bypolls—indicating a renewed thrust toward eliminating inaccuracies and reinforcing trust in the democratic process.
The five constituencies selected for this overhaul include Ludhiana West in Punjab, Kaliaganj in West Bengal, Nilambur in Kerala, and Khandi and Visavadar in Gujarat. The revision exercise was conducted in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which empowers the Commission to revise electoral rolls even ahead of by-elections when deemed necessary.
In Ludhiana West, the final revised roll lists 1,74,437 voters—comprising 89,602 male, 84,825 female, and 10 third-gender voters. Authorities rationalized polling stations to a total of 192 and achieved 100% coverage of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), ensuring improved voter verification on polling day.
Kaliaganj in West Bengal witnessed a voter list reshuffle too, where 2,52,670 electors now feature in the updated rolls. This figure represents a 0.87% drop from January 2025, primarily due to the removal of over 5,800 names—many of whom were either deceased or had relocated. Meanwhile, over 3,600 new voters were added, demonstrating the Commission’s attempt to maintain both accuracy and inclusion.
These targeted efforts by the ECI reflect a strategic recalibration of electoral preparedness—particularly crucial in a politically sensitive environment where close contests are expected. With fake or outdated entries historically cited as causes of concern in many constituencies, this proactive voter list clean-up could significantly improve the quality of polling and reduce post-election disputes.
By focusing on transparency and accountability, the Election Commission is setting the tone for a cleaner, more credible democratic process—not just in these bypolls, but potentially in the lead-up to future state and general elections. Whether this unprecedented move will become a new norm or remain a one-off reform remains to be seen, but for now, it sends a strong message: electoral integrity is firmly back on the agenda.
