India, Oct. 15 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday ordered a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union Territories, seeking to enrol first-time voters and people who may have been left out during the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The revision will cover states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, with January 1, 2027, set as the qualifying date for voter eligibility.

The exercise comes ahead of crucial Assembly elections, with Uttar Pradesh and Punjab scheduled to go to the polls by February 2027.

Opposition protests over SIR continue

The latest order comes amid mounting criticism of the SIR exercise, with Opposition parties alle...