Mass Deletion of Voter Names in Uttar Pradesh Amid Electoral Roll Revision

In a significant electoral roll revision, Uttar Pradesh has seen the removal of 2.8 crore voter names, with the State Election Commission citing relocations, deaths, and duplicate entries. This extensive deletion process, which began on November 4, allows citizens to contest their removals until February 6. Concerns have been raised about potential disenfranchisement, particularly following similar actions in Bihar. The upcoming timeline for addressing claims and objections is set from January 6 to February 27, as the state navigates this complex electoral landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 6, 2026, 16:18 IST

Significant Changes to Voter Lists in Uttar Pradesh

The State Election Commission revealed on Tuesday that approximately 2.8 crore voters have been removed from the draft voter lists in Uttar Pradesh as part of a comprehensive revision of electoral rolls.

Among those removed, 2.1 crore had relocated from their registered addresses, while 46.2 lakh were deceased voters. Additionally, Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa noted that 25.4 lakh entries were duplicates.

This marks the highest number of deletions reported across the 12 states and Union Territories undergoing voter roll revisions, which commenced on November 4.

The removals from the draft list are provisional, allowing citizens the opportunity to contest their exclusions. Those whose names have been omitted can submit claims and objections until February 6.

The timeline for issuing notices, addressing claims and objections, and processing enumeration forms is set from January 6 to February 27.

Prior to the situation in Uttar Pradesh, around 3.6 crore voters had been removed from the draft electoral rolls in 11 other states and Union Territories.

In Bihar, where the revision was finalized ahead of the Assembly elections in November, approximately 47 lakh voters were excluded from the final electoral roll.

Following the announcement in Bihar, concerns emerged regarding the potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters, prompting several petitioners to approach the Supreme Court.