CEC: Assam’s Unique NRC Status Necessitated Separate Electoral Roll Exercise

Guwahati: Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner, has said that the Special Revision of electoral rolls in Assam was conducted exclusively to ensure that all eligible citizens are properly enrolled and that ineligible names are removed before the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking at a press conference at the conclusion of a three-day review visit to the state, Kumar explained that Assam required a distinct revision process because it is the only state where the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is close to completion.

Under electoral law, the revision of voter lists is compulsory ahead of elections. Kumar stated that while a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was undertaken in 12 states, Assam underwent a separate Special Revision in view of its unique circumstances.

He described the exercise in Assam as largely smooth and free from major disputes. According to him, only around 500 individuals across various districts have filed appeals either seeking inclusion of their names in the draft rolls or objecting to certain entries.

Responding to queries about whether the Assembly elections might be scheduled before the Bohag Bihu festival, which begins on 13 April, Kumar acknowledged the deep cultural importance of the festival in Assam. He said that the Commission would carefully consider feedback from political parties and other stakeholders before finalising the poll timetable.

The full bench of the Election Commission of India, including Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, was in the state to review preparations and assess readiness for the upcoming Assembly elections.

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