The Election Commission's (EC) ongoing special summary revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal has garnered a significant, yet potentially insufficient, number of applications for new voter registrations. As of January 4, a total of slightly over 5 lakh applications were submitted for inclusion of names on the state's voters' list.
Application Trends and EC's Concerns
Out of the total 5 lakh applications, approximately 2 lakh were submitted before the draft SIR list was published on December 16. An additional 3 lakh applications were received in the period following the draft's publication up to January 4. Despite this influx, officials within the Election Commission express apprehension that the final tally may fall well short of the 14.3 lakh applications received for new voters in 2024.
A senior EC official highlighted a key concern, stating that while over 58 lakh names of deceased, permanently shifted, absentee, and duplicate voters were removed from the draft list, the number of Form 6 applications for new voter inclusion has not yet met expectations. The window for submitting applications for new registration or removal of names remains open until January 15. The final voter list, based on these applications, is scheduled for publication on February 14.
On-Ground Challenges in Submission Process
To facilitate the process, the commission had directed all Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to be available at polling stations. They were instructed to assist with form submissions for inclusion, objections, and corrections. BLOs were mandated to be present for two hours on three weekdays and for at least four hours on holidays until the January 15 deadline.
However, reports from several areas indicate that these instructions were not uniformly followed. Many applicants reported that BLOs were absent from their designated booths, jeopardising the submission process. There are also allegations that some BLOs refused to physically distribute or receive Form 6, instead pressing applicants to apply online.
A Downward Trend in New Voter Registrations
EC data reveals a concerning long-term trend regarding Form 6 applications in Bengal. The numbers have shown a decline since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Although there were increases during subsequent election years, the overall graph has displayed a downward trend in non-election years. Notably, after the 2021 Assembly elections, the number of first-time or new-generation voters applying for inclusion on the list decreased significantly.
This pattern underscores the EC's current challenge in boosting fresh registrations during the ongoing revision exercise, despite the procedural measures put in place.
