Assam’s final electoral roll, published after the Special Revision (SR) exercise, shows a decline in voter numbers across most districts of the state, even as several Muslim-majority districts registered a rise in the electorate.
According to data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), 24 out of Assam’s 35 districts recorded a net decrease in voters compared to the draft electoral roll published in December, while 11 districts saw an increase. The final roll reflects the deletion of over 2.43 lakh names following verification, claims, and objections during the revision process. The total electorate now stands at approximately 2.49 crore voters.
The decline was most prominent in tribal-dominated and hill districts, including Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong, as well as in districts under the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Significant reductions were also recorded in Kamrup and Kamrup (Metropolitan), which includes Guwahati, along with several districts in Upper Assam and the north bank of the Brahmaputra.
In contrast, a number of Muslim-majority districts witnessed an increase in voter numbers. Districts such as Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara-Mankachar, Nagaon, Morigaon, Bongaigaon, and Hailakandi recorded net gains in the final list. Of the districts that saw an increase, a majority are Muslim-dominated, according to demographic patterns.
Officials said the changes are the outcome of a routine Special Revision exercise aimed at ensuring accuracy in the electoral rolls by removing duplicate, shifted, or ineligible voters, while adding eligible new electors. The ECI has maintained that the revision was conducted strictly in accordance with established guidelines.
The revised voter data has, however, sparked political debate, with opposition parties questioning the uneven trends across districts. The state government and election authorities have defended the process, asserting that the exercise was necessary to maintain the integrity of the electoral rolls.
The publication of the final voter list assumes significance as Assam heads toward the 2026 Assembly elections, with changes in district-wise voter distribution expected to influence electoral calculations and campaign strategies across the state.
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