In a significant pre-election exercise, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has published the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal, revealing the deletion of a massive number of voters. The list, uploaded just hours before its official publication on Tuesday, shows over 58 lakh names removed from the state's voter database ahead of the crucial Assembly elections scheduled for early next year.
Massive Deletions Under Special Intensive Revision
The deletions are a result of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process initiated by the Commission on November 4. According to data accessed from the Chief Electoral Officer's website, a staggering 58.21 lakh voter names have been identified for removal from the 2025 rolls to create the 2026 draft version.
The primary reasons cited for these deletions stem from over 58 lakh SIR enumeration forms being marked as "uncollectable." Sources indicate voters were deemed untraceable at their registered addresses, had permanently relocated, were deceased, or were identified as duplicate entries across different constituencies.
The breakdown of the 5.8 million deletions is as follows:
- 24.17 lakh voters registered as deceased.
- 19.88 lakh voters who have permanently relocated.
- 12.20 lakh voters who could not be traced or were missing.
- 1.38 lakh voters identified as duplicate or fake entries.
How to Check Your Voter Status and File Claims
The ECI has outlined multiple channels for voters to verify their enrollment status. Citizens can check their details online through the official portals: eci.gov.in, ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/SIR, or voters.eci.gov.in by entering their name or EPIC number. The ECINET mobile application also provides this facility.
For those with limited digital access, physical verification is possible by contacting the respective Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who have been provided booth-wise draft rolls. Assistance can also be sought from Booth Level Assistants (BLAs) appointed by political parties.
If a voter's name is missing from the draft roll, they must submit Form 6 along with Annexure-IV to their BLO. Applications can be filed at the BLO's office or online via the mentioned portals or the E-NET App. Applicants will be required to attend a hearing and submit proof of Indian citizenship and eligibility, explaining why their name was missed during the revision.
Documentation and Next Steps in the Process
The Election Commission has specified a list of acceptable documents for proving identity and residence. These include a government employee or pension ID card, birth certificate, passport, Madhyamik or other educational certificates, a residential certificate from a state authority, forest rights certificate, caste certificate, family register, government-issued land/house allotment certificate, or any document issued before 1987 by a post office, bank, LIC, or local authority.
While the draft rolls will be shared with all recognized political parties, printed copies will not be immediately available at Block Development Officer (BDO) and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) offices due to logistical constraints. The lists will remain accessible through district magistrates, BLOs, and the online portals.
Hearings on claims and objections are expected to commence five to seven days after publication, following the issuance of formal guidelines. The EC has emphasized that verification will continue even after the draft roll is published. An official stated that if citizenship-related objections arise, verification will be conducted through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, with all district magistrates informed of the procedure.
This extensive revision sets the stage for the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026, with political parties and citizens closely scrutinizing the voter list for accuracy and inclusivity.
