Kerala Launches Special Intensive Revision of Voter List with Visit to Kathakali Maestro Kalamandalam Gopi

Thrissur — The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Kerala’s voter list commenced on Tuesday morning with a symbolic and heartfelt gesture — Thrissur Sub-Collector Akhil V. Menon personally visiting the home of Kathakali legend Kalamandalam Gopi to complete his enrolment.

Widely revered as Gopi Asan, the 88-year-old Padma Shri awardee is one of India’s most celebrated exponents of Kathakali, known for his profound contribution to classical art and culture.

Sub-Collector Menon, along with a team of officials, visited Gopi Asan’s residence early in the day to mark the official beginning of the month-long SIR campaign.

A visibly moved Gopi Asan expressed his appreciation for the gesture.

“I would have liked to go to the Sub-Collector’s office myself, but age has slowed me down. I am deeply touched that the officials came home to get me enrolled,” he said.

Describing the visit as a moment of pride, Menon said,

“It was both an honour and a privilege to meet Gopi Asan and complete his enrolment at his residence. This marks a meaningful start to the voter list revision process.”

The SIR drive, which runs until December 4, aims to update and verify Kerala’s electoral rolls. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have started visiting households across the state to confirm voter information, distribute forms, and ensure that every eligible citizen is properly registered.

In a special initiative, District Collectors and senior officials are personally verifying the voter details of prominent citizens and VVIPs to set an example of transparency and participation.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Kerala announced the start of the campaign on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“From today onwards, BLOs will reach your homes. Become partners in the process of building democracy.”

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the exercise is a routine yet vital step to ensure transparency, accuracy, and credibility in the state’s voter database.

However, the move has drawn criticism from both the CPI(M) and the Congress, who questioned the timing of the revision and raised concerns about potential irregularities.

The ECI has reaffirmed that the SIR process is essential for maintaining a complete and error-free electoral roll ahead of upcoming elections.

Once the revision is complete, Kerala will have an updated and verified voter list, ensuring every eligible citizen’s inclusion in the democratic process.

With inputs from IANS