Bhubaneswar, Oct. 12 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has strongly defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, describing it as an important exercise to safeguard electoral integrity, ensure fair representation and strengthen public confidence in democracy.
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In a post on his X handle on Monday, Majhi said free and fair elections are the foundation of a strong democracy and stressed that accurate electoral rolls are essential to protecting the voting rights of every eligible citizen.
He pointed out that duplicate entries, outdated information and the names of deceased persons remaining on voter lists can undermine the accuracy of electoral records. Maintaining clean and updated rolls, he said, is not merely an administrative requirement but a key step towards ensuring credible elections.
SIR Must Ensure Accuracy Without Excluding Eligible Voters
Majhi said the SIR exercise plays an important role in identifying discrepancies, removing duplicate entries and updating voter details following deaths or changes in residence.
However, he emphasised that the process must also ensure that no eligible voter is unfairly excluded from the electoral rolls.
“These are not minor administrative details; they go to the heart of electoral fairness, equal representation and the sanctity of every vote,” the Chief Minister stated.
He underlined that electoral roll revision must be conducted with fairness, due diligence and appropriate safeguards to protect the rights of legitimate voters.
CM Highlights Importance of Public Confidence
The Chief Minister maintained that reliable electoral records are fundamental to the credibility of the democratic process. He said effective implementation of the revision exercise would help ensure that voter lists accurately reflect the eligible electorate.
Majhi also stressed that a transparent and carefully conducted process would strengthen public confidence in electoral institutions and reinforce trust in democratic governance.
His remarks come amid an ongoing nationwide political debate over the Special Intensive Revision being conducted by the Election Commission of India.
Odisha’s Final Electoral Roll Records 3.16 Crore Electors
In Odisha, the final electoral roll published following the SIR process recorded approximately 3.16 crore electors, according to the information provided.
The revision exercise aims to improve the accuracy of electoral records while ensuring that eligible citizens retain their right to vote.
Majhi reiterated that maintaining reliable voter lists, while protecting legitimate voters from wrongful exclusion, is essential to upholding electoral fairness and ensuring that every vote carries its rightful significance.
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