West Bengal Final Voter List Shows Significant Decline to 6.44 Crore
The Election Commission of India has published the final electoral roll for West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, revealing a substantial reduction in the number of registered voters. The final list now stands at 6.44 crore voters, a notable decrease from the draft list's figure of 7.08 crore voters.
Key Figures and Adjudication Process
According to the official press release from the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, a significant portion of names, approximately 60.66 lakh voters, are currently under adjudication. This process involves verifying and resolving discrepancies in voter registrations to ensure accuracy and integrity in the electoral database.
The cumulative decline in voter numbers becomes even more pronounced when considering the broader timeline. If one takes into account the 7.66 crore voters recorded at the beginning of the SIR exercise on October 27 last year, the total reduction amounts to a staggering 1.21 crore voters.
Context and Implications
The SIR 2026 initiative was launched to conduct a thorough and intensive revision of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, aiming to clean up the voter list by removing duplicate, ineligible, or deceased voters. This exercise is critical for maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process and ensuring that only legitimate voters participate in future elections.
The significant drop in numbers highlights the effectiveness of the revision process in identifying and addressing irregularities. However, it also raises questions about the initial accuracy of the voter database and the challenges involved in maintaining up-to-date electoral records in a populous state like West Bengal.
Official Announcements and Social Media Engagement
The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal made the announcement via social media platforms, sharing detailed infographics and press releases. The posts emphasized key statistics and encouraged public awareness, using hashtags such as #PressRelease, #SIR, and #ElectoralRoll to reach a wider audience.
This development is closely watched by political analysts and stakeholders, as accurate voter lists are fundamental to democratic elections. The final roll will serve as the basis for upcoming electoral activities in the state, making this revision a pivotal step in West Bengal's political landscape.
