Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is responsible for 13 crore (130 million) voters being struck off the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

Analysis

The claim likely spreads because the SIR has generated anxiety among voters about potential disenfranchisement, and activists seize on large, emotive numbers to mobilise protests. However, the figure of 13 crore is a dramatic exaggeration that ignores the EC’s published statistics and the procedural safeguards in place. Misrepresenting the scale of deletions can erode public trust in the electoral system and fuel political polarization, especially ahead of elections. Accurate reporting helps voters understand that while errors can occur, the EC provides avenues for correction and that responsibility rests with the institution, not a single individual.