The Election Commission of India has published the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal after completing a month-long Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The updated voter list has sparked widespread discussion, as it includes names of voters who may be excluded.
Purpose of Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
This was done, according to the Election Commission of India, to clean up electoral rolls and make them more accurate. It was to eliminate duplicate, incorrect entries, and ineligible persons from the list, leaving only those who are entitled to vote in the forthcoming elections.
Over 58 Lakh Voters Sheduled for Possible Deletion
More than 58 lakh voters have been marked for possible exclusion during the SIR process prior to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Reasons include death, duplicate registrations, change of residence, and long absences from constituencies.
What to Do When Voters’ Names Are Not Found
The Election Commission has decalred that draft Electoral Roll is published today. The Election Commission has issued a clarification also for citizens that they must check their name in the draft voter list and if whose names are either missing or deleted can file claims and objections within the prescribed time. The citizens were asked to take careful review of the draft rolls in order to ensure that they would not be left out in subsequent elections.
Political reactions & Rising controversy Amid SIR
The exercise has snowballed into a political backlash in the state. Trinamool Congress, Congress and DMK have accused the government of lapses in revision process. It also saw protests and walkouts by opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha earlier this week.
Focus on Electoral Accuracy Ahead of 2026 Polls
The Election Commission maintains the exercise of Special Intensive Revision is only a routine and essential step for ensuring free and transparent elections. The officials have, time and again, underlined that participation by the public with claims and objections is very essential for finalising an accurate voter list before the 2026 Assembly polls.
Also Read: Election Commission Announces SIR Deadline Extension in Six States, Bengal Retains Original Timeline