In a significant move, R.S. Gopalan, the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha, has instructed all Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to conduct thorough verification before proceeding with the deletion of approximately 9.8 lakh names from the electoral rolls. This directive follows numerous complaints regarding wrongful deletions, particularly concerning voters who were still residing at their registered addresses. Gopalan emphasized that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are not authorized to delete names and that EROs must ensure compliance with verification procedures. He noted that typically, 7 to 9 lakh names are deleted annually due to deaths and relocations, but the current scrutiny may see the total flagged for deletion reach 10 lakh as the mapping process concludes. Political reactions have been critical, with the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president demanding a complete reverification of all flagged names, citing concerns about individuals being unjustly removed from the rolls. Additionally, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra has called for a comprehensive state-wide reverification, highlighting potential systemic errors in the deletion process. To assist voters, a toll-free helpline has been activated for inquiries and complaints.