Election Commission extends SIR deadline for five states, one UT; Bengal gets no extra time

The updated schedule affects Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

No change for Bengal

According to the revised calendar released today, the enumeration period has been extended to December 14 for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, and to December 18 for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Uttar Pradesh has been given the longest extension, with the enumeration now set to conclude on December 26.

The draft rolls for these states will follow the staggered schedule: December 19 for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, December 23 for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and December 31 for Uttar Pradesh.

In contrast, the enumeration window for Goa, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan and West Bengal ended today without any extension.

The EC confirmed that draft electoral rolls for these states will be published on December 16.

Bengal becomes political flashpoint ahead of polls

With Assembly elections in West Bengal expected early next year, the decision to deny extension has triggered intense political interest.

After the fierce exchanges during the Bihar SIR process, the next major face-off between the BJP-led NDA and the Opposition is set to unfold in Bengal, where the stakes are significantly higher.

The EC had earlier granted additional time to Kerala, allowing enumeration there until December 18 and setting the draft roll publication for December 23.

Oppositions slam EC over ‘impractical’ timelines

The extensions come in the backdrop of sustained criticism from Opposition parties, which accused the EC of imposing unrealistic deadlines that strained booth-level officers and caused inconvenience to voters.

At an all-party meeting, the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), CPI(M) and Samajwadi Party said the Commission disregarded ground realities while pushing ahead with the accelerated revision schedule.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari urged the EC to adopt the more detailed 2003 revision model and questioned the government's reluctance to allow a Parliamentary discussion on SIR, suggesting it reflected an unwillingness to ensure transparency.

Over 50 crore forms digitised; millions still pending

As per EC data available earlier this week, 50.8 crore enumeration forms have been digitised so far.

Approximately 23.22 lakh forms remain pending processing.

Since the second phase of the SIR began on November 4, a total of 50.96 crore forms have been distributed nationwide.

The extension announcements have added fresh momentum to the already charged political atmosphere, setting the stage for an intense battle over voter roll integrity ahead of major elections next year.