New Delhi is gearing up for significant changes as the city prepares for the 2025 assembly elections, with over 2.25 lakh claims and objections concerning voter updates already registered during the current Special Summary Revision (SSR). The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), R. Alice Vaz, announced this impressive figure, demonstrating the increased engagement of citizens as they seek to participate more actively in the democratic process.
The announcement follows the filing period for claims and objections, which commenced on October 29, 2024, and concluded today. Although this specific period has ended, the process for continuous updates will remain open, ensuring maximum participation and engagement from the electorate.
Vaz stressed the importance of maintaining clean electoral rolls, noting, “A healthy and pure electoral roll is very important in ensuring only eligible voters exercise their rights on poll day and there is no bogus voting.” This emphasis on accuracy is central to the overall electoral process, aiming to bolster the integrity and reliability of future elections.
One of the primary activities leading up to this revision was the pre-revision verification conducted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who began comprehensive house-to-house (H2H) visits starting August 20, 2024. This initiative was aimed at identifying unenrolled voters and prospective electors turning 18 by October 1, 2025. The drive also focused on removing names of deceased voters and those who have relocated permanently.
During this verification effort, approximately 1.62 lakh forms were collected for adjustments, deletions, and updates to the electoral rolls. The BLOs took great care to monitor this process closely, ensuring the engagement of the community and accuracy of the data collected.
Adding to the logistics of voting accessibility, Vaz highlighted another key step taken: the rationalization of polling stations. A total of 123 new polling station sites have been established, offsetting the removal of 53 polling locations due to damage or demolition. This restructuring has created a net increase of 70 polling stations, thereby improving voter access across Delhi.
To facilitate additional registration, special camps were also held across the city on two weekends, during which nearly 45,000 additional forms were acquired for electoral roll updates. This broad outreach aims to include every eligible citizen in the voting process.
Despite these efforts, concerns about the electoral roll's integrity linger. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleges manipulation of voter registrations aimed at undermining the upcoming assembly elections. Chief Minister Atishi has voiced strong allegations against the Union government of conspiring against the democratic process.
Addressing these allegations, which include claims of mass deletions of voters, the CEO’s office reiterated its dedication to achieving clean electoral lists. “This effort to maintain the purity of the electoral roll is conducted annually by the Election Commission of India (ECI), which includes both pre-revision and revision activities,” Vaz stated. She emphasized the need for vigilance from voters themselves, advising them to regularly check if their names appear on the electoral rolls.
On the technical side of things, any eligible citizen not yet enrolled can still apply via Form-6. Following field verification by BLOs, approved applications will result in names being added to the electoral roll and the issuance of voter identity cards.
Beyond these procedures, Vaz particularly noted the necessity for voters to understand their responsibilities: merely holding onto a voter identity card does not guarantee voting eligibility; one must exist on the electoral roll to vote. Citizens were reminded to check their status diligently and take action if discrepancies arise.
The process to file claims and objections will continue until December 24, 2024. This allows for those who may have missed the initial period to still participate actively. Eligible citizens have the tools at their disposal, such as the Election Commission’s Voter Helpline app, online portal, or local voter centers, to facilitate this engagement.
Vaz concluded by warning against multiple entries on the electoral roll, mentioning it is punishable under the Representation of the People Act. To clarify their status, voters found with duplicate entries must apply via Form-7 for deletion of unnecessary registrations.
The upcoming electoral events are pivotal for ensuring not only the effectiveness of the voting process but also the entire democratic framework. With ample changes aimed at updating the electoral rolls and improving voting accessibility, Delhi is poised for heightened civic engagement as citizens prepare to make their voices heard.
