Sat Jan 24 16:22:34 UTC 2026: ### Headline: India Enhances Electoral Purity Ahead of Future Elections

The Story:

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Saturday, January 24, 2026, that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists will soon be rolled out in remaining states. This follows successful completion of the exercise in Bihar, which saw no appeals against the final electoral roll, and ongoing revisions in Assam. This initiative aims to ensure the inclusion of all eligible voters and the removal of ineligible names from the electoral rolls, which Kumar described as the “bedrock of democracy.” The announcement comes on the eve of the Election Commission’s foundation day, also celebrated as National Voters’ Day.

The Chief Election Commissioner highlighted the success of past elections conducted on these revised electoral rolls, noting the highest voter turnout since 1951 at 67.13%, with a particularly high participation rate among women electors at 71.78%. Kumar also urged young voters to become ambassadors of democracy and to actively combat misinformation and false narratives.

Key Points:

  • The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists will soon be rolled out in the remaining states of India.
  • The SIR aims to include all eligible voters and remove ineligible voters from the electoral roll.
  • Bihar successfully completed the SIR with no appeals filed against the final electoral roll.
  • Assam has a ‘special revision’ of electoral rolls separately underway.
  • 2026 elections saw the highest voter turnout since 1951 at 67.13%, with women electors participating at a rate of 71.78%.
  • Gyanesh Kumar calls upon young electors to combat misinformation and disinformation.
  • The Election Commission was established on January 25, 1950, and National Voters’ Day has been celebrated for the past 16 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Election Commission of India is actively working to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter rolls.
  • Increased voter turnout, particularly among women, suggests a growing engagement with the democratic process.
  • Combating misinformation is a key priority for the Election Commission, particularly among young voters.
  • The successful implementation of the SIR in Bihar serves as a model for other states.
  • The Election Commission underscores the importance of ‘pure’ electoral rolls as foundational to a robust democracy.

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