Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has described the ongoing voter list revision drive as a “milestone in the making of Indian democracy,” emphasizing its scale, transparency, and transformative potential. Speaking at the Foundation Day event of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur on November 3, 2025, the CEC highlighted the initiative as the world’s largest voter list purification exercise.
The drive, which began in Bihar, is part of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign launched by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to update and verify electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories. The campaign aims to cover over 51 crore voters, ensuring accuracy, eliminating duplications, and enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.
Calling the Bihar leg of the revision a “purification exercise,” Kumar noted that the effort is not merely administrative but foundational to the democratic ethos of the country. “When this process is completed across the country, people will feel proud not just of the Election Commission but of India’s democratic strength,” he said.
The CEC also underscored the importance of public participation and institutional collaboration in the success of the revision drive. He urged citizens to actively verify their voter details and encouraged educational institutions, civil society, and local governance bodies to support the initiative.
The Election Commission has deployed advanced digital tools and field verification teams to ensure that the revision is both inclusive and error-free. Special attention is being given to first-time voters, women, marginalized communities, and remote populations to ensure no eligible citizen is left out.
Observers and political analysts have welcomed the move, noting that a clean and updated electoral roll is essential for free and fair elections. The drive is also seen as a preparatory step ahead of the upcoming general elections, expected in 2026.
