The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has expressed worries regarding the significant exclusion of voters from the draft electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Senior Vice-President Debi Prasad Mishra highlighted discrepancies in the electoral roll, alleging a reduction in voters’ fundamental rights. Mishra pointed out inconsistencies in voter numbers reported at different stages of the process.
The final electoral roll in 2025 showed 3,40,72,744 registered voters, but the draft roll published recently listed only 3,13,87,034 voters. Mishra criticized the Election Commission’s reported exclusion of 20.14 lakh voters, stating that around 27 lakh voters were actually left out. The BJD emphasized the need for simplifying the process, conducting fresh verifications, and ensuring the inclusion of all eligible voters.
The party also criticized the lack of transparency in disclosing details of over seven lakh voters by the Chief Electoral Officer. It highlighted flaws in the Special Intensive Revision exercise due to inadequate training of Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The BJD demanded immediate corrective actions, simplification of procedures, and the removal of inconsistencies to ensure the inclusion of all eligible voters while eliminating ineligible ones.
