The poll body starts the second SIR round
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will launch the second round of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine states and three union territories from November 4, covering 51 crore voters. This exercise, concluding on February 7, 2026, aims to ensure that all eligible voters are included and ineligible ones excluded. States involved include Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, along with Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will hold elections in 2026. Assam will undergo a separate Supreme Court-supervised exercise due to Citizenship Act provisions. SIR, the ninth such revision since independence includes an enumeration stage, draft roll publication on December 9, and final rolls on February 7. The exercise seeks to weed out illegal migrants while safeguarding eligible citizens, with Bihar’s previous SIR and Aadhaar cards serving as indicative documents. Electoral officers will notify voters requiring documentation rather than demanding it upfront.
Gayle stranded in J&K amid scam
The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), launched in Kashmir to scout new cricket talent, has collapsed into a scam, leaving international stars like Chris Gayle stranded due to unpaid dues. Organised by the Mohali-based Yuva Society, the league began in late October with eight teams, including Srinagar Sultans and Jammu Lions, each featuring a former international player. Matches were held at Bakshi Stadium amid loud music and heavy promotion, but the event ended abruptly when players refused to play over non-payment. The organisers vanished, forcing the hotel to hold players until dues were cleared. Despite hiring social media influencers and offering discounted tickets, crowd turnout was poor.
Darbar Move Resumes in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a grand public appearance on Monday as the historic bi-annual Darbar Move resumed after a four-year hiatus. Abdullah walked from his official residence to the civil secretariat in Jammu, greeted with flower petals, sweets, and souvenirs by jubilant residents, traders, and party workers. The move, which shifts Government offices between Srinagar and Jammu, was halted in 2021 by the Union Territory administration to save costs exceeding `200 crore, but Abdullah’s Government reinstated it, fulfilling an election promise. Security was tight with anti-sabotage drills along the route. Abdullah expressed hope that the revival would boost Jammu’s economy and stressed that the move symbolizes unity and sentiment beyond monetary considerations.
