In a surge of civic engagement, Gujarat’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has amassed more than 16.76 lakh voter-related applications as of January 28. This figure, released officially, breaks down to 6.88 lakh additions and 9.88 lakh deletions, reflecting a thorough cleanup of electoral records.

The process, mandated by the Election Commission, kicked off last October with exhaustive door-to-door checks by booth officers covering every one of the 182 assembly seats. Post-draft publication on December 19, the public had a window to file Forms 6, 6A for inclusions, and Form 7 for removals.

Deadlines loom on January 30 for all claims and objections, with simultaneous verifications underway. Field investigations will decide fates, weeding out deceased entries, duplicates, and those of permanent migrants while welcoming 18-year-olds and address-changers.

This initiative fortifies the voter list’s reliability, a cornerstone for credible elections. Officials project a finalized roll soon after, setting the stage for untainted polling. Gujarat’s proactive approach exemplifies nationwide pushes for electoral hygiene, engaging citizens in shaping democracy’s foundation.