Thane records low 57.5 percent voter mapping ahead of June 30 physical verification

Election authorities in Thane have recorded a voter mapping rate of just 57.5 percent during the pre-Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, ahead of the physical verification scheduled to begin on June 30. The mapping initiative, which matched current voters with records from the 2002 electoral roll, revealed significant gaps in urban areas like Thane due to high migration rates.

Across Maharashtra, election officials successfully mapped 75 percent of the state's total electorate. Out of 9.8 crore voters, 7.4 crore have been mapped with records of themselves, their parents, or their grandparents from 2002.

However, the pre-SIR mapping process has revealed anomalies in 17.4 percent of the names. These discrepancies will require physical verification during the upcoming drive.

The mapping data highlights a stark contrast between urban and rural districts. Urban areas characterized by high migration reported the lowest mapping rates. Thane is one of three districts in the state where mapping fell below 60 percent, joining Mumbai Suburban at 53.2 percent and Pune at 54.6 percent. Mumbai City also registered a low mapping rate of 62.5 percent.

In contrast, rural districts where migration is low and polling booths remain consistent reported much higher success. Hingoli recorded the highest mapping rate at 92.5 percent, followed by Sindhudurg at 92.3 percent, Ratnagiri at 91.7 percent, Gadchiroli at 91.4 percent, Amravati at 90.7 percent, and Buldhana at 90.4 percent.

To streamline the physical verification process starting June 30, election authorities have urged political parties to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at every polling station. These agents will assist in making the process of removing duplicate and deceased voters, as well as registering new voters, more transparent. Political parties have already appointed 1.7 lakh BLAs across the state.