THE HINDU DATED 20TH DECEMBER 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-49

THE HINDU DATED 20TH DECEMBER 2025.

1. Mass Deletion of Voters in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat

The Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has resulted in the deletion of nearly 97 lakh voters in Tamil Nadu and 74 lakh in Gujarat, raising serious concerns about electoral integrity. The ECI maintains that deletions were based on objective criteria such as death, migration, duplication, and prolonged absence. However, the scale—particularly in Chennai, where over one-third of voters were removed—has triggered allegations of mass disenfranchisement. Political leaders and analysts argue that while roll purification is necessary, such large deletions risk excluding genuine voters, especially migrants, urban poor, and informal workers. The Commission’s stand emphasises procedural transparency, citing publication of draft rolls and an open window for claims and objections till January 2026. Editorially, the issue underscores the tension between administrative efficiency and democratic inclusion. The episode highlights the need for stronger verification safeguards, voter awareness, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that electoral roll revisions do not undermine universal adult suffrage.

2. Bangladesh Unrest after Death of Uprising Leader