How Will Extended Dates Help Voters and BLOs, As Per UP Dy CM Pathak?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Extended deadlines for the Special Intensive Revision process.
- Increased ease for voters in submitting forms.
- Relief for Booth Level Officers managing the process.
- Opposition parties raise concerns about the timing of the extension.
- Importance of a transparent electoral process emphasized.
Lucknow, Dec 1 (NationPress) In response to the recent extension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) deadline, Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated on Monday that this decision will enable voters to submit their forms with greater ease, while also providing much-needed relief to Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
In an interview with IANS, Brajesh Pathak remarked, “The Election Commission has initiated a significant campaign across 12 states to ensure a neutral and transparent voters’ list. With these extended deadlines, voters can more conveniently submit their forms, and BLOs will benefit as well. I extend my gratitude to the Election Commission for this proactive measure.”
On Sunday, the Election Commission of India announced a notification that extends the ongoing three-stage SIR process across 12 Indian states and union territories (UTs) by an additional seven days.
Initially, the enumeration period, which includes the collection and digitization of voters' enumeration forms, was scheduled to be completed by December 4. The new deadline has now been set for December 11.
The date for the rationalization or rearrangement of polling stations has also been adjusted to December 11.
Previously, the last date for the publication of draft electoral rolls was December 9, which has now been moved to December 16.
According to the revised schedule, the duration for filing claims and objections will now fall between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
The timelines for the notice phase—including the issuance, hearings, verification, and decision-making regarding enumeration forms, alongside the disposal of claims and objections, will occur concurrently by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) from December 16, 2025, to February 7, 2026.
The new date for assessing the health parameters of electoral rolls and securing permission from the ECI for final publication is now set for February 10, 2026.
The final publication of the electoral roll is now scheduled for February 14, which was previously slated for February 7.
From the outset, opposition parties have criticized the Election Commission for allegedly hastening the SIR process at the behest of the BJP, with the Trinamool Congress being particularly vocal regarding these concerns.