The Commission clarified that, under election rules, eligible citizens may apply for enrolment up to ten days before the last date for filing nominations for each phase of an election. This provision remains available even after the election is formally announced, allowing additions to the voter list.

According to ECI officials, numerous valid applications were received between 1 October and the nomination deadlines for both phases. Following scrutiny, all eligible applicants were added to the rolls to ensure no qualified voter was excluded.

These additions resulted in an increase of approximately three lakh voters, bringing the total to 7.45 crore. The updated figure was correctly reflected in the post-poll press release, officials emphasised.

The Commission concluded that the variation was entirely procedural, consistent with electoral rules and longstanding practice, and not unusual in the context of an election exercise.