Elections – Akhilesh Yadav Alleges Bias in Voter Roll Revision
Elections – Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday accused authorities of unfairly targeting certain communities during the ongoing revision of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh. He said the party plans to formally present its concerns before the Election Commission of India and has requested an appointment to discuss the matter.
Addressing reporters, Yadav claimed that notices under Form 7 are being disproportionately issued to members of minority groups and socially backward communities. According to him, Muslims, Other Backward Classes, Dalits and tribal populations are among those receiving the notices in significant numbers. He also expressed concern that individuals with limited literacy are being affected, suggesting that many may struggle to understand the documents being served.
Samajwadi Party Seeks Meeting With Election Commission
Yadav stated that once the party is granted time by the Election Commission, a delegation will visit the poll body to raise the issue formally. He emphasized that electoral processes must remain transparent and inclusive, adding that any perception of discrimination could weaken public trust in the system.
The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, commonly referred to as SIR, is a periodic exercise aimed at updating voter lists. During this process, authorities verify existing entries, remove ineligible names and add new eligible voters. Form 7, which Yadav mentioned, is typically used for objections to the inclusion of names or for seeking deletion of entries.
Deadline Extended for Filing Claims and Objections
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has extended the deadline for submitting claims and objections related to the draft voter lists in Uttar Pradesh. The new last date is March 3, 2026. The extension follows a request from the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, who sought additional time to ensure broader public participation.
According to an official communication dated February 5, the draft electoral rolls were published on January 6, 2026. Initially, citizens were allowed to file claims and objections until February 6. However, invoking provisions under Rule 12 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the Commission decided to provide an extended window.
The Commission noted that the extension was granted after considering the state officer’s request and other relevant factors. The revision exercise is being conducted with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date, meaning individuals who meet the eligibility criteria as of that date can apply for inclusion.
Aim of the Special Intensive Revision
Officials have stated that the purpose of the extended timeline is to ensure that no eligible voter is left out of the rolls and that inaccuracies can be corrected in a timely manner. Citizens can use this period to verify their details, request corrections, object to entries or apply for inclusion if they meet the required conditions.
The Special Intensive Revision is a critical component of maintaining updated and accurate voter lists ahead of future elections. By allowing additional time, the Commission aims to strengthen the credibility of the process and encourage greater public engagement.
Political Reactions and Administrative Position
While the Samajwadi Party has voiced concerns about alleged selective targeting, the Election Commission has not indicated any deviation from established procedures. The Commission maintains that the revision is being conducted in accordance with statutory rules and is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy.
The coming days are likely to see further political engagement on the matter, particularly if the Samajwadi Party delegation meets election officials. For now, the focus remains on enabling citizens across Uttar Pradesh to review the draft rolls and exercise their right to file claims or objections within the extended deadline.