Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the Election Commission of Odisha has published the draft electoral rolls, revealing a substantial reduction in the number of registered voters. More than 20 lakh names have been deleted from the lists, a decision that follows the completion of the enumeration phase during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

According to R S Gopalan, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, the state now has a total of approximately 3.33 crore voters. This figure reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the electoral rolls, which is crucial in ensuring free and fair elections.

The SIR was initiated to update the voter lists, accounting for various demographic changes over the past few years. Gopalan emphasized the importance of this revision process, stating, "The deletion of names is part of our commitment to maintaining a clean and effective voter registry. It is essential that our electoral rolls reflect the current population accurately."

The draft electoral rolls will be open for public scrutiny, allowing citizens to verify their details and raise objections if necessary. This transparency aims to encourage civic engagement and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

Officials have urged all residents to check their names in the newly published rolls and to report any discrepancies. The final electoral rolls are expected to be published after addressing any objections raised during this period, ensuring that the lists are both comprehensive and accurate.

The publication of the draft electoral rolls is a key step towards the forthcoming elections in Odisha, and the Election Commission is committed to ensuring that the election process is upheld with the highest standards of fairness.