Election Commission Explains Why Assam Excluded from Phase Two of Special Voter Roll Revision Unlike Bengal and Tamil Nadu

The Election Commission has clarified why Assam is not included in Phase Two of the nationwide Special Intensive voter roll revision, while West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are part of this process.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar explained that Assam operates under different citizenship rules compared to the rest of India. "There will be separate revision orders issued for Assam and a separate SIR date will be announced," Kumar stated during a press briefing.

Assam, which shares borders with Bangladesh, follows specific citizenship regulations under Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. These regulations create distinct categories based on when individuals of Indian origin entered Assam from Bangladesh.

Those who entered before January 1, 1966, are considered Indian citizens automatically. Individuals who entered between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, can obtain citizenship through a proper registration process. Anyone entering after March 25, 1971, is classified as an illegal migrant ineligible for citizenship. These determinations are made by specially constituted foreigners' tribunals at the local level.

The voter list revision for Assam presents unique challenges, especially considering the controversial National Registry of Citizens (NRC) list created six years ago. That process left approximately 19 lakh people excluded, requiring them to prove their citizenship to avoid government action. The process remains unresolved as the central government has yet to officially notify the list, which triggered widespread protests.

Opposition parties had criticized the NRC implementation in Assam, claiming that many legitimate Indian citizens were wrongfully excluded while some foreigners were included. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with opposition groups arguing it disenfranchises the poor—allegations firmly denied by the Election Commission.

In Bihar, where the revision process was recently completed, around 66 lakh names were removed from the electoral rolls. The Election Commission maintains these removals represent people who have relocated, possess duplicate voter identification, or are deceased. The Commission emphasized they have received no formal complaints regarding this matter.

The second phase of voter roll revision will encompass 12 states and Union Territories: Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This nationwide exercise is being conducted after a gap of 21 years, with Bihar having completed the process in June-July ahead of its upcoming assembly elections.

The enumeration stage for Phase Two is scheduled from November 4 to December 4, with draft rolls to be released on December 9. Excluded individuals may file appeals until January 8, with hearings continuing through January 31. The final voter list will be published on February 7.