Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 13: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced an extension of the deadline for filing claims and objections under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, giving voters additional time to seek the inclusion of their names or correct errors in the draft voters' list.

According to the announcement shared by Fadnavis on his official social media account, eligible voters can now submit their claims and objections until October 26. The applications can be filed through the offices of the concerned election authorities or online.

The extension comes amid a nationwide political controversy over the SIR exercise and demands by opposition parties, including the Congress and other INDIA bloc constituents, for its withdrawal. The role of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has also come under criticism from opposition groups, with the issue reaching the Supreme Court.

Fadnavis said the extension would provide an opportunity to citizens whose names had been omitted from the draft electoral rolls, as well as those seeking corrections to spelling mistakes or other errors in their personal details.

Under the revised schedule, election authorities will scrutinise the claims and objections received by October 26 and complete their disposal by November 10. The final electoral roll, incorporating the necessary changes, is scheduled to be published on November 16.

The chief minister has urged all eligible voters to verify their details in the draft electoral rolls and submit applications promptly if their names have been omitted or their information requires correction.

The extension is expected to give affected voters additional time to approach the election authorities and ensure that eligible electors have an opportunity to seek inclusion in the final voters' list.