Lucknow: In a startling revelation ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections, the State Election Commission has uncovered major discrepancies in the voters’ list. A review found over one crore suspicious entries where names and addresses were identical, raising serious concerns about the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
Officials said Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology was used to identify duplicate records. This modern approach enabled the commission to flag potential cases of voter fraud. According to the commission, the step will not only reduce the chances of bogus voting but also strengthen public trust in the system.
To ensure accuracy, Block Level Officers (BLOs) will now conduct door-to-door verification. Each voter’s name, address, and identity will be cross-checked. In cases where complaints or doubts arise, additional investigation will follow. The move is aimed at ensuring that only genuine and eligible voters remain on the rolls.
Experts have welcomed the use of AI, calling it a crucial step toward free and fair elections. They caution, however, that even minor discrepancies in the voter list can affect results and erode public confidence.
Local administrations have begun preparations for the verification exercise. BLOs will collect documents and identity proofs during their visits, while authorities have appealed to citizens to cooperate and report irregularities. The commission has also warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in voter fraud or manipulation.
The discovery has underlined the urgent need for both technological and administrative reforms in the electoral process. Combining AI-based checks with traditional ground-level verification, officials believe, will ensure that the final voter list is both transparent and reliable.
The Election Commission has emphasized that the integrity of democracy rests on public faith. “Only genuine voters should cast their vote, and for this, every necessary step is being taken,” an official statement said. The final list will be published only after the verification and scrutiny process is complete.
