Mon Feb 16 02:09:53 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Concerns Persist Over Special Intensive Revision of Voter Rolls in Kochi Ahead of Final Publication

The Story:

Major political parties in Kochi, India, continue to express concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, despite district election officials finding only a little over 3,000 voters ineligible out of 406,366 subjected to verification as of February 12, 2026. The Congress and CPI(M) are awaiting the final voter list, scheduled for publication on February 21, 2026, to assess the full impact of the revision, particularly regarding the 322,422 voters initially placed in the ASD (absentees, shifted, and dead) category and removed from the draft rolls. The BJP, however, has voiced satisfaction with the process.

The controversy centers on potential deliberate deletions with political motives during the enumeration phase, particularly concerning those placed on the ASD list. Claims filed by aggrieved persons included in the ASD list were accepted until January 30, 2026, and are still being processed.

Key Points:

  • A little over 3,000 voters out of 406,366 were found ineligible for inclusion in the final voter list after verification.
  • The status of 322,422 voters in the ASD category remains unclear.
  • The final voter list is scheduled for publication on February 21, 2026.
  • Congress and CPI(M) suspect politically motivated deletions during the enumeration phase.
  • The BJP supports the SIR and believes there was no political intervention.
  • Claims from those wrongly placed on the ASD list were accepted until January 30, 2026.

Critical Analysis:

The related historical context does not provide any information relevant to the SIR.

Key Takeaways:

  • Significant discrepancies remain between the initial draft voter rolls and the revised rolls after the SIR, particularly concerning the ASD category.
  • Political parties hold divergent views on the integrity and fairness of the SIR process.
  • The publication of the final voter list on February 21, 2026, is crucial for resolving ongoing concerns and potentially triggering further action.
  • The percentage difference between the pre-SIR and revised lists exceeding 5% would trigger further investigation.

Impact Analysis:

The outcome of the SIR and the subsequent voter list publication could significantly impact the upcoming elections in Kochi. If the Congress and CPI(M)’s concerns regarding politically motivated deletions prove valid, it could lead to legal challenges and protests, potentially destabilizing the political landscape. The credibility of the election process is at stake, and the final list will be closely scrutinized by all parties.

Read More

Related News: