Former Indian diplomat Navdeep Suri has raised concerns over the verification process under Punjab’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after officials told him that his details did not match records from 2003.
Suri, who served as India’s ambassador to Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, said he submitted his standard identity documents to the local Block Level Officer (BLO) during the revision exercise. However, officials reportedly informed him that his details could not be matched with the 2003 electoral roll.
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Since Suri was serving abroad as a diplomat during that period, his name was not found in the relevant electoral records. Officials subsequently sought additional documents, including his passport, to establish his identity and citizenship.
The former diplomat questioned the process publicly, pointing out that if someone who represented India overseas can face difficulties in establishing his credentials during a routine electoral verification exercise, ordinary citizens could face even greater challenges.
Punjab is currently carrying out an SIR across all 117 Assembly constituencies to update and verify electoral rolls. During the exercise, voters have been categorised for verification under groups including absent, shifted, deceased and duplicate (ASDD).
The development has also highlighted the importance of voters checking their electoral details and responding promptly to verification notices or claims and objections issued by election authorities.
Voters can verify their registration details and access electoral services through the official Election Commission of India and state election portals. For Punjab-specific notifications and updates, voters can also consult the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab.
