India expands nationwide voter roll update after successful trials, amid criticism over rushed implementation in West Bengal.

On January 23, 2026, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls would be expanded nationwide following successful trials in Bihar and 12 states. Bihar reported no appeals and a record voter turnout of 67.13%, with women participating at 71.78%. The Election Commission highlighted its 2025 achievements, which included training over 5,000 Booth Level Officers, launching the ECINet App, introducing mobile deposit options at polling stations, and capping polling station elector capacity at 1,200. India also bolstered its global electoral leadership by chairing International IDEA and hosting a major international event. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen criticized West Bengal's SIR as rushed, warning that it could disenfranchise vulnerable voters, particularly those without formal documentation, and undermine democratic integrity.