Pune: State govt is considering a discussion with the election authorities about the possibility of extending the Oct 26 deadline to file claims and objections under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), as drought-related difficulties and migration could make it challenging for voters to complete the process within the stipulated period.
No decision to seek a further extension has been announced so far.
Election officials said any extension would require a formal request from state govt to Election Commission of India (ECI). “With these extensions already in place, and drought now declared across a large number of talukas, it is essential to consider extending the timeline further,” a revenue official said. With a large number of talukas affected by drought , the state may need to assess whether voters require additional time to complete the process.
Senior revenue officials told TOI on Wednesday that farmers and rural households grappling with water scarcity, agricultural losses and employment search may find it difficult to approach booth-level officers (BLOs), arrange supporting documents and submit applications on time.
Meanwhile, citizens should continue to submit their applications,” a senior official said. However, the decision rests with the ECI, and state govt would have to take up the matter formally with the commission,” another official said. “The matter will be discussed with the election authorities. “An extension could give eligible voters more time to register, correct their details or raise objections, while allowing election officials to process pending applications.