Is the Opposition Pushing for SSR of Electoral Rolls?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer has communicated the opposition's call for a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls to the Election Commission. This demand follows intense discussions among party leaders about ensuring a fair electoral process amidst upcoming local body polls.
Key Takeaways
- Special Summary Revision (SSR) aims to update electoral rolls.
- It includes new eligible voters and removes duplicates.
- Opposition's demand highlights the importance of a transparent electoral process.
- Local elections are currently occupying electoral machinery in Maharashtra.
- Ensuring voter list accuracy is critical for democratic representation.
Mumbai, Oct 16 (NationPress) The office of Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has recently informed the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the opposition parties' request for a revision of the electoral rolls.
According to a senior official from the CEO's office, the opposition's demand for a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls has been officially communicated to the ECI.
Special Summary Revision (SSR) refers to the process of reassessing the voter list and presenting a draft electoral roll. This procedure is typically conducted before elections and aims to ensure a fair and transparent voting system by incorporating newly eligible voters, including those who have turned 18 or changed their constituency. It also entails the removal of duplicate and deceased voters.
This action follows two days of discussions between opposition leaders and the CEO S Chockalingam, along with State Election Commissioner (SEC) Dinesh Waghmare.
On September 9, the SEC had informed the ECI that a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Maharashtra couldn't proceed due to ongoing local and civic body elections.
Currently, the SEC is focused on completing the electoral process in 29 Municipal Corporations, all 247 Municipal Councils, 42 out of 147 Nagar Panchayats, 32 out of 34 Zilla Parishads, and 336 out of 351 Panchayat Samitis ahead of the Supreme Court's January 31 deadline.
The SEC has requested the ECI to postpone the SIR until these elections are concluded, as the election machinery is fully engaged with the preparations.
During a recent meeting, top opposition leaders questioned the CEO on why the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was being considered in Maharashtra before local body polls when it was previously conducted in Bihar ahead of assembly elections.
In a subsequent joint meeting with Chockalingam and Waghmare, opposition leaders insisted that errors in the voter list be corrected before local elections. Now, the CEO has passed along their request for the Special Summary Revision of the electoral rolls.
Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in
Point of View
It's essential to recognize that the call for a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls is crucial for maintaining electoral integrity. The opposition's push reflects a broader concern for transparency in the electoral process. It's vital that such demands are addressed to uphold democracy and ensure fair representation.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Summary Revision (SSR)?
The Special Summary Revision (SSR) is a process that reviews and updates the electoral rolls to include newly eligible voters and remove duplicates and deceased individuals, ensuring a fair voting system.
Why are opposition parties demanding SSR?
Opposition parties are advocating for SSR to rectify inaccuracies in the voter list before the upcoming local body elections, ensuring every eligible voter is represented.
What is the current status of local elections in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra is currently engaged in conducting local elections across various Municipal Corporations, Councils, and Panchayati Raj institutions, which has led to the postponement of SIR.
