Deadline to file SIR claims, objections in TN extended to Jan 30
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made a significant announcement that is set to impact the electoral landscape of Tamil Nadu. In a move that is expected to provide relief to countless individuals, the ECI has extended the deadline for filing claims and objections related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state till January 30, 2026. This development comes after the initial deadline expired on January 18, a month after the draft electoral rolls were published.
The SIR of electoral rolls is a crucial exercise that aims to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process. The revision process involves the verification of existing electoral rolls, deletion of duplicate or deceased entries, and the addition of new voters. The draft electoral rolls were published on December 18, 2025, and the initial deadline for filing claims and objections was set for January 18, 2026. However, considering the large number of voters who may have been affected by the revision process, the ECI has deemed it necessary to extend the deadline.
One of the key aspects of the SIR exercise is the deletion of names from the electoral rolls. According to reports, over 97 lakh names were deleted from the draft list. This significant reduction in the number of registered voters has raised concerns among various stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations. The deletion of names can be attributed to various factors, including duplicate entries, deceased voters, and voters who have shifted to other constituencies.
The extension of the deadline for filing claims and objections is expected to provide an opportunity for individuals who may have been affected by the deletion of names to rectify the situation. Voters who have been incorrectly deleted from the electoral rolls can now file claims to have their names reinstated. Similarly, individuals who have recently turned 18 or have shifted to a new constituency can file claims to have their names added to the electoral rolls.
The ECI has emphasized the importance of the SIR exercise in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The commission has also urged voters to participate in the revision process and ensure that their names are included in the electoral rolls. The extension of the deadline is a testament to the ECI’s commitment to ensuring that the electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date.
The SIR exercise is a complex process that involves the coordination of various stakeholders, including election officials, political parties, and civil society organizations. The exercise requires careful verification of electoral rolls, which can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The extension of the deadline is likely to provide sufficient time for election officials to complete the verification process and ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate.
In addition to the extension of the deadline, the ECI has also taken steps to facilitate the filing of claims and objections. Voters can file their claims and objections online or through offline modes, such as submitting applications to the nearest election office. The ECI has also established a dedicated helpline to assist voters who may be facing difficulties in filing their claims and objections.
The extension of the deadline for filing SIR claims and objections in Tamil Nadu is a significant development that is expected to have far-reaching implications for the electoral process in the state. As the ECI continues to work towards ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the electoral rolls, it is essential that voters participate in the revision process and ensure that their names are included in the electoral rolls.
In conclusion, the extension of the deadline for filing SIR claims and objections in Tamil Nadu till January 30, 2026, is a welcome move that is expected to provide relief to countless individuals who may have been affected by the deletion of names from the electoral rolls. As the ECI continues to work towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, it is essential that voters participate in the revision process and ensure that their names are included in the electoral rolls.
News Source: https://x.com/TNelectionsCEO/status/2013136067571106210
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