New Delhi: The final electoral roll released after Assam’s Special Revision exercise highlights contrasting trends across the state. Muslim-majority districts saw a rise in voter numbers, while tribal-dominated and upper Assam areas recorded declines compared to the draft list.
Data from the Chief Electoral Officer’s website shows 24 of Assam’s 35 districts experienced a reduction in electors, while 11 districts recorded an increase. Changes ranged from a few hundred voters to more than 30,000.
In western Assam, districts such as Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, and Barpeta noted voter growth. Barpeta registered over 25,000 new voters, while South Salmara saw an increase of around 200. Central Assam districts Morigaon and Nagaon also recorded gains, whereas Darrang and Hojai saw decreases.
In the Barak Valley, Cachar and Sribhumi reported declines, while Hailakandi saw voter numbers rise. Hill districts Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong, under the Sixth Schedule, recorded declines, as did the five districts in the Bodoland Territorial Region. Kamrup and Kamrup Metropolitan, which includes Guwahati, also showed reductions. Upper Assam districts largely declined, with only Majuli registering a minor increase of about 100 voters.
The Election Commission deleted over 2.43 lakh names from the draft roll during the SR process. The final list now comprises 2.49 crore electors, marking a 0.97 per cent decrease. The revision process sparked controversy, with opposition parties alleging targeting of minority communities. The Chief Minister noted that over five lakh complaints were filed by BJP workers regarding suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, with verification notices primarily served to “Miyas,” a term recently reclaimed by sections of the Bengali Muslim community.
With assembly elections approaching, these district-wise shifts are expected to receive continued scrutiny.
