The publication of West Bengal’s draft electoral rolls has triggered widespread public attention and political debate across the State. As the Election Commission unveiled the updated voter list following the Special Intensive Revision process, concerns emerged among citizens whose names were found missing from the draft rolls.
With Assembly elections expected early next year, the timing of the revision has added to the intensity of reactions. While political parties traded allegations, the Election Commission sought to reassure voters that deletions at this stage are provisional and that due process remains firmly in place.
Officials have emphasised that the draft rolls are part of a transparent exercise aimed at ensuring accuracy in the electoral database, and that every eligible voter will be given an opportunity to restore their name before the final rolls are published.
Draft Electoral Rolls Published After SIR Exercise
On December 16, 2025, the Election Commission published West Bengal’s draft electoral rolls following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). According to official data, more than 58 lakh names were removed from the voter list during this exercise, citing reasons such as death, permanent migration, duplication and non-submission of enumeration forms.
Before the SIR began, the State had an electorate of over 7.66 crore voters. After the deletions, the draft rolls now include approximately 7.08 crore names. Election officials clarified that the revision was conducted to remove inaccuracies that had accumulated over time.
Where and How Voters Can Check Their Names
To ensure accessibility, the draft rolls have been made available across multiple platforms. Voters can check their status through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal website, the Election Commission’s voter portal, and the ECINET mobile application.
In addition, booth-level officers have been instructed to keep hard copies of the draft rolls at polling stations. Citizens are encouraged to verify their names either online or by visiting their local BLOs, especially those who participated in the enumeration process.
Detailed Deletion Data and Categories
The Election Commission released a detailed breakup of the deleted names to promote transparency. A significant portion of deletions stemmed from what officials described as “uncollectable” enumeration forms, where voters could not be contacted or verified during the SIR process.
According to official figures, over 24 lakh voters were marked as deceased, nearly 20 lakh were found to have permanently shifted, and more than 12 lakh were classified as missing or untraceable at their registered addresses. Additional deletions included duplicate entries, ghost voters, and other discrepancies detected during enumeration.
Deletion From Draft Roll Is Not Final
The Election Commission has repeatedly stressed that deletion from the draft electoral roll does not mean permanent disenfranchisement. Officials have clarified that this stage is provisional and designed to invite corrections, claims, and objections from affected voters.
Aggrieved individuals can submit claims using Form 6 along with a declaration form and valid supporting documents. The window for filing claims and objections will remain open from December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026, allowing ample time for voters to respond.
Hearing Process to Begin Soon
A senior Election Commission official stated that hearings for affected voters would begin roughly a week after the publication of the draft rolls. The brief gap is intended to facilitate administrative preparations, including the printing and delivery of hearing notices and the creation of digital records.
During these hearings, voters whose names were removed will be allowed to present documents and clarify discrepancies. Election authorities have underlined that decisions will be taken only after due verification and personal hearings where required.
Assurances From Election Observers
Special Roll Observer for West Bengal, former bureaucrat Subrata Gupta, sought to calm public anxiety by urging voters not to panic. He explained that nearly 30 lakh voters whose records could not be matched with older electoral rolls would be given a chance to establish eligibility.
He emphasised that the revision exercise is rooted in procedural fairness and that no eligible voter would be excluded without being heard. Officials reiterated that the final rolls would reflect corrections made during the claims and objections period.
Political Reactions and Rising Tensions
The release of the draft rolls has intensified political fault lines in West Bengal. The ruling Trinamool Congress accused the Election Commission and the BJP of conspiring to intimidate voters, alleging that large-scale hearings could create fear and confusion among citizens.
The BJP rejected these claims, dismissing them as politically motivated. Opposition leaders stated that conclusions should only be drawn after the final electoral rolls are published, scheduled for mid-February as per the Commission’s timeline.
Concerns Over Public Anxiety and Allegations
The SIR process has also been accompanied by claims of heightened public anxiety in certain parts of the State. The TMC alleged that panic related to the revision exercise had led to multiple deaths, including those of booth-level officers.
The BJP countered these allegations, asserting that such claims were being used to politicise personal tragedies. Election officials have refrained from commenting on these allegations, reiterating their focus on completing the revision exercise fairly and transparently.
What Lies Ahead for Voters
With the claims and objections window now open, the Election Commission has urged all voters to verify their details without delay. Officials have encouraged proactive engagement, stressing that participation in this phase is crucial to ensuring inclusion in the final electoral rolls.
As West Bengal moves closer to the next Assembly elections, the coming weeks will be critical in restoring confidence among voters and finalising an accurate and credible voter list that reflects the State’s true electorate.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
