Mon Feb 23 10:53:57 UTC 2026: # Tamil Nadu Final Electoral Roll Published: 5.67 Crore Voters After Significant Deletions

The Story: The final electoral roll for Tamil Nadu has been published on February 23, 2026, following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik announced that the state now has 5,67,07,380 electors, comprising 2,77,38,925 men, 2,89,60,838 women, and 7,617 third-gender voters. The revision saw the addition of 27,53,796 new electors and the deletion of nearly 70 lakh voters since November 2025.

The publication of the final roll initiates a continuous updation process, allowing eligible voters to enroll and existing voters to apply for changes. District Election Officers across Tamil Nadu have released district-specific numbers, highlighting variations in voter demographics and changes.

Key Points:

  • The final electoral roll was published on February 23, 2026.
  • Total electors in Tamil Nadu: 5,67,07,380.
  • 27,53,796 new electors added during the revision period.
  • Nearly 70 lakh voters deleted after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
  • Sholinganallur has the highest number of electors (5,36,991), while Harbour has the lowest (1,16,896).
  • Continuous updation process begins, allowing for new enrollments and changes.

Critical Analysis:
The deletion of nearly 70 lakh voters is a significant number and warrants further investigation. The article only mentions reasons like migration, death, and double entries, but the sheer scale of deletions raises questions about the thoroughness and potential biases in the process. The previous Hindu Data Team analysis showing a skew in more women being deleted than men adds another layer of complexity, suggesting possible systemic issues in the voter roll maintenance. The Chief Minister’s statement about facing ED, I-T, and CBI could indicate a politically charged atmosphere, where electoral roll revisions are viewed with suspicion and potential manipulation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape has undergone a major revision with a substantial number of deletions.
  • The gender skew in voter deletions requires closer scrutiny to ensure fairness and equity.
  • Voters should actively check their enrollment status and utilize the continuous updation process.
  • The timing of the SIR, in proximity to potential elections, raises questions about its political implications.
  • The Election Commission’s role in ensuring a transparent and unbiased electoral process is crucial.

Impact Analysis:

The significant changes to the electoral roll could have a substantial impact on the upcoming elections. The deletion of a large number of voters, especially if disproportionately affecting certain demographics, could alter the outcome of closely contested constituencies. The continuous updation process will be critical in mitigating any negative impact and ensuring that all eligible citizens are able to exercise their right to vote. The political parties’ focus on the revision process and the CM’s remarks suggest that the electoral roll will be a contested issue in the lead-up to the elections, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and legal challenges.

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