The first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Odisha's electoral rolls has unveiled a significant purge, with over 20 lakh voter names deleted across the state, triggering widespread political scrutiny. Malkangiri, the southernmost Assembly segment of Odisha, has emerged as a focal point, registering the highest percentage of voter deletions—27,653 names, constituting a striking 10.96% of its total electorate. This figure is particularly noteworthy given Malkangiri's unique demographic profile, home to a substantial number of settlers who migrated from Bangladesh.

Historically, Malkangiri has been a settlement area for Bangladeshi migrants who arrived in the early 1950s and mid-1980s, subsequently settled by the then-Odisha government through the establishment of special villages. Prior to the SIR, Malkangiri had 2,52,147 electors. The high deletion rate in a constituency with such a sensitive historical background raises pertinent questions about the accuracy of the revision process and its potential impact on a specific community. The implications of such a significant reduction in the voter base in a demographically complex region warrant careful examination and transparency.

Across the state, the draft report of the SIR, published on July 5, indicates a reduction in Odisha’s total number of electors from 3,33,99,591 to 3,13,87,034. A detailed breakdown reveals that 8.32 lakh (2.49%) of the deleted voters were deceased, while a larger segment of 10.07 lakh (3.02%) were either absent from their registered addresses or had shifted. These statistics underscore the dynamic nature of Odisha's population, influenced by migration patterns and demographic shifts, which often pose challenges for maintaining updated electoral rolls.

District-wise, Ganjam, a region known for sending a high number of migrant laborers to various parts of the country and abroad, recorded the highest numerical deletion of 2,07,626 voters. It was closely followed by Cuttack district, with 1,55,164 deletions. The significant number of 'absent' or 'shifted' voters in migration-prone areas like Ganjam, while seemingly logical, also highlights the administrative hurdles in tracking mobile populations and ensuring their electoral rights are preserved.

Further analysis shows that nine Assembly constituencies each recorded over 20,000 deletions, with more than half of these segments identified as migration-prone pockets. Additionally, 40 out of the total 147 Assembly constituencies saw deletions exceeding 15,000 each. These figures have not gone unnoticed by political parties. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) challenged the draft report on Sunday, June 5, 2026, claiming that 27 lakh voters were deleted, as opposed to the officially stated 20 lakh. The Congress party also voiced its concerns over the large-scale deletions, transforming this administrative exercise into a contentious political issue.

Sushanta Kumar Mishra, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer, acknowledged that abnormalities were noted in the first phase of the SIR, attributing deletions to deceased voters and those who were absent or had shifted. He assured that all individuals whose names did not appear in the draft report would be provided adequate opportunities for appeal. However, the political allegations and the disproportionately high deletion rates in sensitive regions like Malkangiri place a significant onus on the Election Commission to ensure utmost transparency, fairness, and accountability in safeguarding the democratic rights of every citizen.