This is the Highest in India: 2.89 Crore Voters Removed from Uttar Pradesh's SIR Draft Voter List!

Introduction

The Election Commission has released the draft voter list for Uttar Pradesh following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, resulting in the removal of 2.89 crore voters. Starting from 15.44 crore voters in October 2025, the list now stands at 12.55 crore, retaining 81% of the original entries. This marks the highest number of voter deletions in India, with the final list set for release on March 6, 2026.

Reasons for Removals

Among the 2.89 crore removed voters, 46.23 lakh are deceased, 2.17 crore have migrated or are missing, and 25.47 lakh had duplicate registrations across multiple locations. The process involved door-to-door verification, with higher deletions noted in urban areas like Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, and Prayagraj.

Background of the Process

The SIR exercise began on October 27, 2025, and was originally scheduled to conclude by December 11, but was extended due to challenges, leading to the draft publication on January 6, 2026. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) conducted house-to-house checks, and 18.7% of forms went unreturned, contributing to the deletions.

Objections and Corrections

Voters can verify their status using the ECINET app or website with their EPIC number. To add a name, fill Form 6; for removal due to death, use Form 7; and for corrections or address changes, submit Form 8. Objections can be filed until February 6, 2026.

Political Reactions

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that the deletions disproportionately affect specific communities. The Commission maintains that this cleanup enhances the credibility of the electoral process in India's largest state.