BJD Seeks 30-Day Extension of SIR Claims, Objections Deadline Amid Odisha Floods

Bhubaneswar: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has urged the Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) RS Gopalan to extend the deadline for filing claims and objections under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by another 30 days, citing the ongoing flood situation and persistent heavy rainfall across the state.

In a memorandum submitted on Wednesday, the regional party recalled its earlier request made on July 30, seeking an extension of the claims and objections period by at least one month. The BJD said the situation has since worsened due to flooding, waterlogging, disrupted communication and displacement in several areas.

The Election Commission of India had earlier extended the deadline from August 4 to August 19. While acknowledging the extension, the BJD said the prevailing circumstances had made it difficult for thousands of voters, Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and election officials to complete verification and submit claims or objections within the revised deadline.

According to the party, people in several flood-hit districts are currently preoccupied with evacuation, safety and relief operations. Under such conditions, travelling to Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) offices and designated centres may not be feasible for many voters.

The BJD stressed that the claims and objections stage is crucial for ensuring that eligible voters are not inadvertently left out of the electoral rolls. It argued that genuine electors should not lose an opportunity to seek inclusion, correction or restoration of their names because of circumstances caused by a natural calamity.

The party also pointed to the large number of pending cases and notices requiring verification and hearings, saying election officials and political representatives need sufficient time to complete the process properly.

Against this backdrop, the BJD requested the Odisha CEO to recommend a further 30-day extension beyond August 19 and obtain the necessary approval from the Election Commission of India.

It also sought special assistance and outreach measures for voters living in flood-affected and inaccessible areas, besides widespread publicity about the extended deadline to ensure that eligible electors are able to exercise their rights.