During a special intensive revision exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India, approximately 1,600 foreign citizens were found on the electoral rolls in six states. The affected states include Karnataka, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Kerala, Goa, and Mizoram.
The special intensive revision exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India uncovered about 1,600 foreign citizens on electoral rolls in six states. The six affected states are Karnataka, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Kerala, Goa, and Mizoram.
The largest number of foreign citizens was identified in Karnataka, with 716 individuals found, including 545 Nepalese citizens in Bengaluru North. In Kerala, around 500 people holding foreign citizenship were discovered on the electoral rolls. Goa reported 419 foreign passport holders, while Jharkhand identified three foreign citizens, all from Afghanistan.
In Meghalaya, two men of Nepalese origin who are married to Indian women were found on the electoral rolls. Mizoram did not report any such cases. The total count of foreign citizens in these six states comes out to be 1,640 individuals.
The exercise began in Bihar in 2025 and was extended to 12 states and Union Territories in the second phase in late 2025 and the first half of 2026. It is important to note that concerns have been raised that this revision could eliminate genuine voters from the rolls and potentially shape electoral outcomes.
After the voter roll revision, the six states have about 9.86 crore electors.
In 2025, the first phase of the exercise was conducted in Bihar. Since then, queries were sent to the chief electoral officers of 26 states and Union territories where the special intensive revision had been completed or draft rolls had been published. The officials from 11 states responded.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that during this exercise, Karnataka accounted for the largest number of foreign citizens among the six states. The authorities identified 716 foreign citizens for removal in Karnataka. In Kerala, around 500 people who held foreign citizenship were discovered on the electoral rolls. Goa reported 419 foreign passport holders, while Jharkhand identified three foreign citizens, all from Afghanistan.
It is also important to note that in Meghalaya, two men of Nepalese origin, both married to Indian women, were found on the electoral rolls. Mizoram reported no such cases.
Source:
Scroll.in
