Delhi voter rolls shed 4.76 million names; correction applications lag

A special intensive revision of Delhi's electoral rolls has resulted in the deletion of 4.76 million voter names, according to the Chief Electoral Officer's office. However, the response from eligible citizens seeking to rectify their status has been modest, with just 250,754 Form 6 applications received through October 22, data released by the CEO's office indicated. Form 6 applications allow citizens to appeal deletions, register as new electors, or correct existing entries on the voter roll. The disparity between the number of deletions and correction applications has raised questions about whether affected voters are aware of the revision process or the mechanisms available to challenge removals from the electoral register. Election officials typically conduct periodic revisions of voter rolls to remove deceased persons, those who have relocated, or entries identified as duplicates or erroneous. The comprehensive nature of Delhi's latest revision suggests a significant housekeeping exercise, though experts suggest that public awareness campaigns regarding the correction process may need strengthening to ensure eligible voters can restore their registration status.