Pure electoral rolls bedrock of democracy, says CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday (March 15, 2026) hailed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a “massive democratic exercise” and said that “pure electoral rolls” are the “bedrock of any democracy”.

The poll body announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry on Sunday. Barring West Bengal, all others vote in one phase.

The CEC’s statement comes amid an ongoing uproar in West Bengal, which is voting on April 23 and April 29, over the SIR of electoral rolls. The Opposition bloc has also moved a motion in Parliament to remove the CEC.

“Pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of any democracy. With this objective the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is being conducted as per Article 326 of the Constitution to ensure that no eligible elector is left out while no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll,” Mr. Kumar said.

The CEC thanked officials who were involved in the SIR process. “I congratulate all the booth-level officers, assistant electoral registration officers, electoral registration officers, district election officers and all election officials who were involved in this work for ensuring its smooth conduct and completion,” he said.

Mr. Kumar said the elections reflect the country’s “diversity”. “As all of you are aware, these five States and Union Territories represent distinct geographical and cultural landscapes of India. These elections represent not only a democratic exercise but also the cultural richness of India, and truly reflect the unity in diversity of our nation,” he said.