Confusion continues to surround large-scale deletions from West Bengal’s electoral rolls, with varying figures and no clear official explanation from the Election Commission (EC).
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, initially flagged around 60 lakh names for verification. Of these, nearly 32 lakh cases have been examined so far.
Reports suggest that a significant share, estimated between 35% and 40% of these verified cases may have been removed from the voter list. However, the exact number remains uncertain. Different reports cite figures ranging from 8 lakh to 14 lakh deletions, creating widespread confusion among voters.
Adding to the uncertainty, only a portion of the processed names has appeared in the first supplementary list. Officials indicate that procedural delays, including issues like missing digital authentication by judicial officers, have slowed the publication of final lists.
The lack of consistent data and official communication has led to anxiety on the ground. In several areas, residents have reported that names of multiple family members were deleted despite attending hearings and submitting required documents.
The issue has also triggered political reactions. The ruling Trinamool Congress has raised concerns about potential disenfranchisement, while opposition parties maintain that the revision aims to remove ineligible or duplicate entries.
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