India, Aug. 20 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deferred the publication of the draft electoral roll for Maharashtra by a week, from August 24 to August 31, to allow for the rationalisation of polling booths following the deletion of untraceable electors during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The enumeration phase of the SIR ended on Monday.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, joint chief electoral officer Manohar Parkar said, "The rescheduling by the ECI is as per our request demanding more time for rationalisation of polling booths."

The number of voters in some booths had changed significantly after the deletion of untraceable electors and their rationalisation was necessary to retain voter numbers at 1,000-1,200 ...