Odisha Voter Roll Sees Significant Deletions Amid Revision Process
Over 2 million names cut from Odisha's voter rolls after Election Commission's extensive review. R.S. Gopalan,state's Chief Electoral Officer, disclosed details . Registered voters dropped from roughly 33.4 million to around 31.4 million.
Revisions saw nearly 830,000 deceased individuals removed,about 2.5% of voter base . Over 1 million voters eliminated due to relocation or absence, while around 160,000 registered in more than one location. CEO's office provided lists of deceased and untraceable voters to Booth Level Agents (BLAs).
Nearly 94% of current electors participated in revision by submitting enumeration forms. Initial phase carried out with district election officers across all 30 districts. Backed by 147 Electoral Registration Officers,994 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, and 4,540 Booth Level Supervisors managing around 45,250 polling stations.
Political engagement high,with seven recognized parties appointing over 84,000 BLAs. Gopalan stated no names can be removed from draft list without notification or directive from either an Electoral Registration Officer or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer. Voters mistakenly removed can appeal to District Collector,then CEO under Section 24 of Representation of the People Act,1950.
Election Commission aims for fair,transparent revision process. Claims and objections on draft list accepted from July 5 to August 4,2026. Hearings and verifications planned from July 5 through September 2,2026 . Final electoral roll expected September 6, 2026.
Young voters turning 18 by July 1, 2026, urged to register using Form 6 with requisite declaration. Special enrollment camps held statewide to assist new voters.
But ruling party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) questions accuracy of draft report,suggests more like 2.7 million names removed. BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra pointed out discrepancies, noting registered voters were about 34 million before revision notification on May 14.
Mishra criticized inconsistencies,emphasizing voter numbers fell from 33.4 million on June 12 to 31.4 million in draft roll. Highlighted troubling trends in voter exclusion. In 75 out of 147 Assembly constituencies,over 10,000 voters cut . More than 15,000 removed in 49 constituencies. Raises concerns about reliability of electoral process…
