Delhi Sex Workers Struck Off Electoral Rolls in Voter Purge 2026

Delhi's sex workers are being struck off electoral rolls in unprecedented numbers, as India's controversial electoral reform process sweeps through the capital. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has led to the removal of 4.76 million names from Delhi's draft roll, representing 33% of the city's previous electorate. Among those affected are the estimated 2,800 sex workers of GB Road, one of the city's most notorious red-light districts. These women, already facing immense challenges, now confront a new struggle: the loss of their democratic voice.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

The SIR is a nationwide exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India, aimed at cleaning up electoral rolls. It involves house-to-house verification to identify and remove dead, shifted, or duplicate voters. However, critics argue that the process is flawed, leading to the disenfranchisement of marginalised communities. In Delhi, the scale of exclusion is the highest recorded as a percentage, with 33% of voters removed. The government claims the SIR is meant to ensure a fair and accurate electoral roll, but for many, it feels like a deliberate purge.

Impact on Delhi's Sex Workers

For the women of GB Road, the SIR has been devastating. Many live in brothels that occupy the upper floors of dilapidated buildings, with no formal documentation to prove their residence. During the verification process, they were either not present, unable to provide adequate proof, or simply overlooked. As a result, thousands have been struck off the rolls. Without voter ID, they lose not only their right to vote but also access to various government schemes and benefits that require electoral registration. This exacerbates their already precarious existence, pushing them further to the margins of society.

Comparing Voter Purges: Delhi vs. Other States

The SIR has been implemented in phases across 13 states. Delhi's exclusion rate stands out starkly, as shown in the table below.

While other states have seen significant removals, Delhi's percentage is alarmingly high, suggesting a systemic issue in the verification process, particularly affecting vulnerable groups.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi's SIR has removed 33% of voters, the highest percentage in the country.
• Sex workers in GB Road are disproportionately affected due to lack of documentation and social stigma.
• Loss of voter ID means loss of access to government schemes and further marginalisation.
• Critics argue the SIR is a tool for voter suppression, targeting the poor and marginalised.

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