Concerns rise in Tripura’s Khowai district over EPIC discrepancies ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, as voters report mismatched electoral records, missing updated voter cards, and fears of document verification complications during the upcoming Election Commission exercise.
Fresh concerns are emerging in parts of Tripura ahead of the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with several voters in Khowai district reportedly identifying discrepancies in their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) details during the ongoing verification process.
According to information circulating among local residents, many voters allegedly found mismatches between their older voter identity cards and newly generated EPIC records prepared after revisions in the electoral database. The reported inconsistencies have created anxiety among residents who fear that errors in official records may affect their participation during future electoral verification exercises.
Sources familiar with the process claimed that earlier “TP series” EPIC cards were replaced with updated voter cards generated on the basis of information collected by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). However, several residents reportedly said they have not yet physically received the revised cards despite updates appearing in online records.
The issue reportedly surfaced after many voters downloaded digital copies of their updated EPIC cards and compared them with their previous voter documents. Some individuals allegedly noticed differences in names, birth details, addresses, or other personal information, raising apprehensions regarding the accuracy of electoral data before the Special Intensive Revision begins formally.
Complaints have also emerged from some areas alleging that certain BLOs were not responding to phone calls from voters seeking clarification about discrepancies in their records. Residents claimed that communication gaps have increased confusion, particularly among elderly voters and people living in remote villages.
According to local sources, the verification exercise in Khowai district had reportedly started several months ago through BLOs appointed by the Election Commission. Khowai district comprises six assembly constituencies and a total of 307 polling stations. Among these, 147 polling stations fall under Khowai subdivision, while 160 are located in Teliamura subdivision.
Sources further alleged that BLOs, many of whom are school teachers entrusted with additional administrative responsibilities, were initially instructed to verify names appearing in electoral rolls from 2005 and 2025 and prepare comparative lists for submission to the Election Commission authorities.
Locals also claimed that the next phase of the process may involve collection and verification of details related to voters born between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004. The exercise may reportedly include checking whether the names of their parents appeared in electoral rolls between 2005 and 2025.
The reported procedure has triggered questions among several residents regarding the practicality and transparency of collecting sensitive personal information, including dates of birth and parental records, without directly contacting the concerned voters. Some villagers expressed concern that errors or omissions in records could eventually compel individuals to appear before officials with supporting documents once the formal revision process begins.
Political observers and local residents believe that the smooth implementation of the Special Intensive Revision process will depend heavily on accurate data collection, timely communication, and effective coordination between election authorities and voters. Concerns are also being raised over the workload placed on BLOs, especially teachers who are simultaneously managing educational responsibilities alongside electoral duties.
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While no official statement has yet been issued regarding the alleged discrepancies, the growing concerns in Khowai district have intensified public discussion over voter record accuracy and the importance of ensuring error-free electoral rolls ahead of future elections.
