EC to launch nationwide SIR in 2 phases; schedule next week

The pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is likely to be conducted in two phases, with the four poll-bound states of Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry, to be covered in the first phase. The remaining states are expected to undergo the exercise in the second phase, the schedule for which is likely to be announced next week.

All above-mentioned states and Puducherry are scheduled to go to polls in 2026.

Sources aware of the development informed The Tribune that the all-India SIR would be completed within three months of the announcement of its schedule, similar to the model followed in Bihar. They added that the dates for the nationwide rollout have been finalised and are expected to be announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) next week, with the exercise beginning soon after.

Earlier, indications suggested that the pan-India rollout might take place after the results of the Bihar Assembly elections are announced on November 14. The next hearing on a clutch of petitions challenging the Bihar SIR in the Supreme Court is scheduled for November 4.

However, ECI sources clarified that since the apex court has not objected to the exercise, the ongoing case will not affect the rollout of the SIR across the country.

Meanwhile, the two-day conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states, convened by the ECI, concluded on Thursday in New Delhi. The poll body directed CEOs to finalise preparations for the SIR in their respective states.

The EC directed the poll officials to maintain caution while undertaking the SIR in West Bengal, owing to the politically surcharged atmosphere prevailing in the state.

According to sources privy to developments, these directions were given by the ECI to West Bengal CEOs and other personnel during the two-day meeting. Sources further informed that ECI asked West Bengal poll officials to specially remain vigilant while undertaking the SIR exercise in rural parts of the state and ensure extreme sensitivity and caution so as to not attract any kind of untoward incident.

The poll body's precautionary advise to its officials on West Bengal has come amid vehement opposition to the SIR by state Chief Minister and ruling TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.