Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls is currently underway in Jharkhand to ensure a transparent and accurate voter list. The critical phase of filling out the enumeration forms is nearing completion, with July 29 set as the deadline. The most striking finding from this exercise so far is the exceptionally high number of voters flagged under the ASDD category, which runs into the millions.
The ASDD classification applies to voters who are: Absent from their registered address Shifted/Relocated Deceased (Dead)Duplicate (Already registered elsewhere).
According to data released by the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, as of July 22nd, there are 415,364 deceased voters, 129,803 absentees, 609,542 transferred voters, and 161,926 previously registered voters. Additionally, the number of voters in the other category is 4,486 foreign nationals. Considering these figures, the number has reached over 13 lakh, with approximately a week remaining before the counting process is complete.
Apparently, if this situation continues, approximately 25 to 30 lakh voters are likely to be deleted during the SIR. According to Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar, as of the morning of July 23rd, 14 lakh voters have been registered in the ASDD category, and the final figure will be available after the draft is published on August 5th. Those who fall under the ASDD category will not be included in the draft roll.
The highest number of ASDD voters found during the SIR so far has been in West Singhbhum district. According to Election Commission data, this district, which has six assembly constituencies, has 50,775 dead voters as of July 22nd. There are 22,169 absentee voters, 62,383 transferred voters, and 310 others, including foreign nationals, while 25,647 voters are already registered.
According to Election Commission data, Ranchi district ranks second, with 39,684 deaths, 11,085 missing, 32,120 permanently displaced, 303 in the “other” category, and 13,425 already registered.
