THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the first phase of SIR progresses, the BLO report states that 20.753 lakh voters need to be excluded. This may increase further, Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U Khelkar informed the meeting of political representatives.

Of the excluded, 6.11 lakh are deceased. 7.39 lakh have moved. 5.66 lakh could not be traced. 1.12 lakh are duplicates. 0.45 lakh have not cooperated with the SIR. The meeting assessed that the report is a cause for concern. As per the revised schedule, the form will be accepted till December 18. The date of release of the draft voter list has been extended to December 23. An extension of more than two weeks has been given. Local body elections will be held on the 11th. Khelkar requested the support of the BLAs, representatives of political parties,

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