Odisha Launches Intensive Voter List Revision for First Time Since 2002

Odisha is initiating a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of its electoral rolls, marking the first comprehensive update since 2002. This significant move comes in the wake of rising political tensions and mounting criticism from opposition parties. The State government plans to conduct a door-to-door verification process aimed at eliminating fraudulent voters and thoroughly updating the electoral list.

The decision follows a similar initiative in Bihar, where officials undertook an extensive verification of the voter list. According to official sources, the SIR will involve Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visiting each household to confirm voter details using proper documentation. Unlike previous annual updates, which relied on voluntary submissions of documents for inclusion or deletion, this approach aims for a more rigorous assessment of voter eligibility.

Government Preparations and Political Reactions

A letter from the Chief Secretary has prompted all relevant departments and district administrations to commence preparations for this extensive revision. Officials are tasked with ensuring key positions, including District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant EROs (AEROs), are filled and that no transfers occur during this period.

The government’s objectives include strengthening the voter database, streamlining polling stations, and verifying the addresses and eligibility of voters. However, the initiative has elicited varied responses from political factions:

– The Congress party has expressed concerns that the revision could be misused to exclude voters based on caste or religion, warning of potential repercussions if mishandled.
– The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called for a multi-party meeting before finalizing the implementation of the revision.
– In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has voiced support for the initiative, advocating for similar measures to be adopted nationwide.

While some officials have been appointed for immediate roles, others are being swiftly recruited in accordance with directives from the State’s administrative leadership. The verification survey is expected to commence shortly, with its success relying heavily on the cooperation of local authorities and transparent processes.

Challenges and Considerations

According to constitutional analyst Manas Behera, “The last comprehensive revision of electoral rolls occurred in 2002. Now, nearly 25 years later, it is timely to conduct this update. We will be removing individuals with duplicate voter IDs, those who are deceased, and fraudulent entries.”

Behera also highlighted potential challenges, noting that the eleven documents required for the electoral roll revision may be difficult for many citizens to provide. He urged election authorities to be sensitive to these challenges and to allocate sufficient time for individuals to gather necessary documentation.

As Odisha embarks on this critical voter list revision, the outcomes may significantly impact the electoral landscape, revealing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.