BJD MP Sasmit Patra Urges ECI To Ensure Transparent SIR Exercise In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure a transparent and error-free Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Odisha beginning from May 30.

The appeal comes after the ECI announced the conduct of the SIR Phase-III exercise in 16 states and three Union Territories, including Odisha.

In his letter, Patra referred to earlier representations made to the ECI regarding alleged irregularities noticed during the preliminary verification phase of the SIR exercise in the state. He highlighted concerns over the alleged wrongful identification of nearly 9.8 lakh voters for potential deletion, inconsistencies in field verification, the large number of proposed deletions and the significant volume of objections raised by citizens.

Patra also pointed out that instructions issued by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, for re-verification and corrective review after irregularities surfaced during the pre-SIR process underscored the need for stronger safeguards during the full-scale exercise.

Emphasising the importance of accurate electoral rolls, the BJD MP stated that eligible voters should not be excluded due to procedural lapses, documentation issues or verification errors.

He urged the ECI to ensure proper and verifiable field inquiries before voter deletions, adequate advance notice to affected electors, enhanced monitoring in areas reporting high deletions and accessible grievance redressal mechanisms.

Patra further sought periodic public disclosure of constituency-wise progress and correction data, focused outreach for vulnerable and remote populations, improved coordination with political parties and Booth Level Agents (BLAs), and deployment of dedicated observer teams during crucial stages of the revision exercise.

“The experiences arising from the pre-SIR phase provide an important opportunity to further strengthen safeguards before commencement of the formal SIR process in Odisha,” Patra stated, adding that timely corrective measures would reinforce public confidence in the electoral process.

Notably, around 38,123 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door verification of voters’ details as part of the SIR exercise in Odisha. Additionally, 27,723 Booth Level Agents appointed by various political parties will assist in the process.