West Bengal Electoral Rolls Undergo Major Update Post-Special Intensive Revision
The Election Commission (EC) has initiated the phased publication of updated electoral rolls in West Bengal following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This comprehensive exercise, the first statewide revision since 2002, aims to refine the voter list by addressing discrepancies and ensuring accuracy ahead of upcoming elections.
Bankura District Reports Significant Voter Reduction
In Bankura district, early figures reveal a substantial net deletion of around 1.18 lakh names since the SIR commenced on November 4 last year. Initially, the electorate in Bankura stood at 30,33,830. The draft rolls published on December 16 reduced this number to 29,01,009. Following subsequent hearings and scrutiny, an additional 4,000 names were removed, while a few thousand new voters were added through approved Form 6 applications for inclusion.
As a result, the final electoral roll in Bankura now approximates 29,15,000, reflecting the net changes from deletions and additions. District officials attribute the deletions primarily to factors such as death, migration, duplication, and untraceability, with additions processed after thorough verification. Bankura is noted as a politically balanced district where both the BJP and Trinamool Congress are competitive, adding significance to these voter adjustments.
Statewide Roll Publication in Progress
The publication of updated rolls is being carried out across districts in phases. Hard copies have been displayed in districts including Bankura and Cooch Behar, drawing public attention. However, as of the latest reports, the lists are not yet fully available online on designated EC portals or the mobile application, leading to increased activity at physical locations.
According to EC officials, the publication classifies 7.08 crore electors from the December 16 draft rolls into three categories:
- Approved: Voters confirmed for inclusion.
- Deleted: Names removed due to various reasons.
- Under adjudication/under consideration: Cases pending further review.
The draft rolls had already shown a reduction in the state's electorate from 7.66 crore (based on rolls till August 2025) to 7.08 crore, with over 58 lakh names deleted during the initial scrutiny phase. The SIR process involved 116 days of work, resulting in a final but dynamic list, as adjudication continues for around 60 lakh voters flagged for discrepancies or mapping issues.
Public Response and Political Implications
Long queues have formed outside district election offices and cyber cafes statewide, as voters eagerly check their status in the updated rolls. In areas like Bankura, North 24 Parganas, and parts of Kolkata, hard copies displayed on notice boards have attracted steady streams of residents. Many are seen scanning sheets, taking photos, or seeking official assistance to locate their entries.
With online access limited, cyber cafes report a surge in footfall, with people lining up with voter ID cards and enumeration slips. This reflects both public anxiety and the high political stakes ahead of the assembly elections scheduled for April. In north Kolkata, nearly 17,000 names were found missing from approved rolls, prompting reactions from rival parties and highlighting the sensitivity of voter list accuracy.
The EC continues to work on supplementary lists as adjudication of pending cases progresses, ensuring the electoral rolls remain up-to-date and reliable for the democratic process.
