The Election Commission of India (ECI) is preparing to launch phase three of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' list, which is expected to cover 22 States and Union Territories (UTs), encompassing nearly 40 crore electors. This decision comes after the completion of Assembly elections in several states, including Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The ECI had previously conducted SIR in 10 States and 3 UTs, resulting in a significant cleanup of the electoral rolls. The combined voters' list has been reduced by 10.2%, with over 66 lakh deceased voters removed, including the highest numbers from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Despite the ECI's claims of identifying ineligible voters, opposition parties have criticized the initiative, suggesting it may target voters not aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The ECI had directed the respective States and UTs to complete preparatory work for the SIR, which was initially expected to start in April. The ongoing scrutiny and adjustments to the SIR schedule highlight the contentious nature of electoral reforms in India.