Has the SIR Date Been Extended Until December 11 in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has extended the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh by seven days, prompting debates among political parties about the sufficiency of the extension. With the final voter list now due on February 14, 2026, questions arise about voter accessibility and concerns regarding disenfranchisement.
Key Takeaways
- Election Commission has extended the SIR deadline.
- Final voter list now due on February 14, 2026.
- Claims and objections can be filed from December 16 to January 15.
- Political parties are demanding a longer extension.
- Concerns over disenfranchisement are being raised.
Bhopal/Raipur, Nov 30 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India has revealed a seven-day extension for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Madhya Pradesh, pushing the deadline for the final publication of the updated voter list to February 14, 2026. As per the revised timeline, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will continue conducting house-to-house surveys until December 11, with the draft electoral rolls set to be released on December 16.
Citizens will have the opportunity to file claims and objections from December 16 to January 15, while document verification and field inquiries are scheduled to take place from December 16 to February 7.
The final voter list, which will include all verified additions, deletions, and corrections, will now be published on February 14.
This extension follows complaints from political parties and civil society organizations about the original timeline being overly tight, especially in rural and tribal regions where voters encounter challenges in obtaining and submitting necessary documentation.
Nonetheless, the Chhattisgarh unit of the Congress party has labeled the seven-day extension as “grossly inadequate.”
In a media briefing in Raipur, state Congress president Deepak Baij stated that the party has submitted a comprehensive memorandum to both the State Election Commission and the Election Commission of India, requesting a full three-month extension. “This one-week extension is merely a facade,” Baij asserted.
“Millions of young voters, especially first-time voters who turned 18 this year, along with women and individuals from remote areas, are still facing difficulties in getting their names registered or corrected. A meaningful revision cannot be accomplished in such a rushed manner.”
The Congress leader emphasized that similar calls for extended revision periods have been made by other opposition parties and voter-awareness organizations throughout Madhya Pradesh.
He cautioned that any attempt to expedite the process could result in widespread disenfranchisement and vowed to escalate the matter with the full bench of the Election Commission if the timeline is not significantly extended.
Political observers in both Bhopal and Raipur are keenly watching to see if the Election Commission will heed the opposition’s request for a prolonged timeframe or adhere to the newly set February 14 deadline.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of fair electoral processes. The extended timeline for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls aims to address accessibility concerns, but the call for a longer extension reflects the ongoing struggles faced by voters in rural and tribal areas. Balancing the need for timely elections with ensuring comprehensive voter participation is crucial for a robust democracy.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new deadline for the updated voter list?
The updated voter list will now be published on February 14, 2026.
Who can file claims and objections?
Citizens can file claims and objections between December 16 and January 15.
Why was the deadline extended?
The extension was granted due to complaints about the original timeline being too tight, especially for voters in rural and tribal areas.
What do political parties think about the extension?
The Congress party has criticized the extension as inadequate, calling for a full three-month extension.
What are the implications of rushing the revision process?
Rushing the process could lead to large-scale disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly first-time voters and those from remote areas.
