KOLKATA: On December 16, the Election Commission (EC) released West Bengal’s draft electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Officials stated that over 58 lakh voter names were removed for reasons such as death, migration, or failure to submit enumeration forms. Of these, 24 lakh were listed as deceased, 19 lakh as relocated, 12 lakh as missing, and 1.3 lakh as duplicates.
After these deletions, the draft rolls are expected to include 7,08,16,631 voters, which is 58,20,898 fewer than the previous electorate of 7,66,37,529. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who voted at the Bhowanipore polling station in South Kolkata, noted that at least 127 names were removed from her area.
The deletions consist of 24,16,852 deceased voters, 19,88,076 relocated or migrated voters, 1,38,328 duplicate or fictitious entries, and 12,20,038 missing names. Additionally, 57,604 names were suggested for removal due to “other reasons.” Citizens not included in the draft list can file Form 6 with supporting documents to claim their inclusion.
According to a senior official, around 30 lakh voters could not be identified using the 2002 list during the last SIR. Another 1.67 crore voters are under scrutiny due to inconsistencies in their enumeration forms. These discrepancies fall into seven categories, including mismatches in father’s names, age differences with parents below 15 or above 50 years, age gaps of less than 40 years with grandparents, and gender mismatches.
The official added, “Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will reverify voter details through house visits. If inconsistencies remain, voters will be called for hearings at the Electoral Registration Office (ERO).”
Voters can check their details online using their name or EPIC number at voters.eci.gov.in, ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/SIR, or eci.gov.in. Verification is also available via the ECINET mobile app. Those unable to access online portals can contact their BLOs or seek assistance from Booth Level Assistants (BLAs), who have been provided booth-wise draft rolls.
The release of the draft list marks the first phase of the revision process, which will be followed by claims, objections, and hearings. Voters and political parties can submit their claims and objections regarding additions or deletions until January 15, 2026. Hearings and verification are scheduled from January 16 to February 7, with the final electoral rolls expected to be released on February 14. West Bengal is likely to hold assembly elections early next year.
