Odisha CM backs SIR exercise, calls it essential for fair elections

Odisha's Chief Minister has endorsed the Special Integrated Review (SIR) exercise, describing it as necessary to maintain electoral integrity. According to the CM, duplicate voter entries, outdated records, and names of deceased persons remaining on electoral rolls can undermine the accuracy of voter lists and compromise the fairness of elections.

The SIR exercise is aimed at identifying and removing such discrepancies from voter registers across the state. The CM's backing reflects the state administration's push to strengthen electoral processes ahead of future polls.

Electoral accuracy remains a persistent challenge in Indian elections, with multiple states undertaking periodic reviews of voter rolls to remove irregularities and ensure that only eligible voters remain registered.