Kerala Pushes Ahead with SIR despite Demands to Delay Revision Process

Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Khelkar confirmed on November 15, 2025, that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state's electoral roll is proceeding on schedule as directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), with approximately 85% of enumeration forms already distributed across constituencies. Speaking to reporters following a consultative meeting with political party representatives, Khelkar emphasised that the exercise—aimed at updating voter details for the 2026 Assembly elections—remains insulated from the upcoming local body polls, which operate under a separate voters' list. Booth Level Officers (BLOs), in coordination with party-appointed agents, are spearheading door-to-door verification, with full form distribution targeted for completion by November 25. This structured timeline aligns with ECI guidelines to ensure accuracy ahead of the legislative polls, incorporating additions, deletions, and corrections based on Form 6, 7, and 8 submissions.

Despite the CEO's assurances, the meeting exposed sharp divisions, as representatives from the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), the Congress-led Rathan U., the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), and other non-BJP parties unanimously demanded postponement of the SIR until after the local body elections, citing potential disruptions during the campaign period. CPI(M) state committee member M V Jayarajan accused the ECI of acting at the BJP's behest to undermine an anticipated LDF victory in the civic polls, alleging the revision's timing was strategically designed to create voter confusion and administrative hurdles. He pointed to the overlap with electioneering as evidence of partisan interference, a charge echoed by UDF leaders who argued that BLOs' dual involvement in SIR and poll duties could compromise fairness. The state government, controlled by the LDF, has already petitioned the Kerala High Court seeking deferment, framing the concurrent processes as logistically burdensome and prone to errors.

Khelkar countered these concerns by reiterating the SIR's exclusive focus on the 2026 Assembly framework, noting that local body voter lists—last revised in 2020 with periodic updates—will remain unaffected and independently managed by the State Election Commission. He highlighted collaborative mechanisms, including party oversight at both levels, to maintain transparency and urged stakeholders to prioritise long-term electoral integrity over short-term poll dynamics. The ECI's nationwide SIR, qualifying date January 1, 2026, mandates pre-publication drafts by early next year, leaving little flexibility for delays without broader implications. With Kerala's electorate exceeding 2.7 crore, the exercise incorporates digital tools like the Voter Helpline App for seamless claims and objections, alongside physical verification to curb duplicate or ghost entries prevalent in past cycles.

Also Read: ECI says 78% of Tamil Nadu Voters Get enumeration Forms for Roll Revision

As political tensions simmer, the standoff underscores deeper trust deficits between Kerala's bipolar alliances and central institutions, particularly amid the BJP's marginal presence in the state. The High Court is expected to hear the government's plea soon, potentially influencing the SIR's trajectory, while the local body polls—covering panchayats, municipalities, and corporations—loom as a litmus test for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's administration. For now, the ECI's insistence on procedural adherence prevails, balancing democratic housekeeping with the immediacy of grassroots elections in a state known for high voter turnout and fierce ideological contests.

Also Read: #BiharRally: Priyanka Gandhi Says NDA is ‘Preparing To Steal Bihar Polls’ Just Like Haryana