Thrissur, Nov 4 (IANS): The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Kerala commenced on Tuesday morning with a symbolic gesture — Thrissur Sub-Collector Akhil V. Menon visiting the home of Kathakali legend Kalamandalam Gopi to mark the beginning of the state-wide drive.
Widely known as Gopi Asan, the 88-year-old Padma Shri awardee is among India’s most revered Kathakali exponents, celebrated for his lifelong contribution to the classical art form.
Sub-Collector Menon, along with a team of officials, met the maestro at his residence and completed his enrolment formalities under the SIR programme.
A visibly moved Gopi Asan expressed his appreciation for the officials’ visit. “I would have liked to go to the Sub-Collector’s office myself, but age has slowed me down. I am grateful that they came home to help me with the process,” he said.
Describing the interaction as an honour, Menon remarked, “It was a privilege to meet Gopi Asan and complete the enrolment process at his home. This moment is one of pride for all of us as officials.”
The month-long SIR campaign, running until December 4, aims to update and verify Kerala’s electoral rolls. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have begun door-to-door visits across the state to confirm voter details, distribute forms, and ensure that every eligible citizen is properly listed.
As part of a special initiative, District Collectors and senior officials are also personally visiting the homes of prominent citizens and VVIPs to verify their entries in the electoral database.
In a post on its official X handle, the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala announced, “From today onwards, BLOs will reach your homes. Become partners in the process of building democracy.”
The Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that the SIR drive is a routine yet crucial exercise to maintain transparency and the integrity of the electoral process.
However, both the CPI(M) and the Congress have raised objections to the timing of the revision, expressing concerns over possible irregularities. The ECI has reaffirmed that the process is essential to ensure a complete and accurate voter list ahead of upcoming elections.
Once concluded, the initiative will produce an updated and verified electoral roll for the state.
