Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has undertaken a major revision of the electoral rolls, removing more than 91 lakh names across the state. The move is part of an effort to ensure a clean and accurate voter database before polling begins.
The revision was carried out under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which is conducted periodically to update voter lists. According to officials, the deletions include nearly 63 lakh names removed during the initial phase, along with an additional 27 lakh names struck off after further verification and legal scrutiny. These removals were based on findings that many entries were either duplicated, belonged to deceased individuals, or to voters who had shifted their residence outside their constituencies.
The ECI stated that the objective of this exercise is to maintain transparency, accuracy, and fairness in the electoral process. By eliminating ineligible entries, the Commission aims to reduce irregularities and strengthen public trust in elections. Officials also clarified that eligible voters who find their names missing can still apply for re-inclusion by following proper procedures.
Several districts reported a high number of deletions, including Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, Malda, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas. These regions have large populations and high migration rates, which often lead to frequent changes in voter records.
However, the large-scale removal has sparked concerns among political parties and citizens. Some opposition leaders have alleged that genuine voters may have been unfairly excluded, raising fears of voter disenfranchisement. In response, the ECI has assured that the revision process follows strict guidelines and includes opportunities for claims and objections.
As the state prepares for a crucial election, the updated voter list is expected to play a significant role in determining voter participation and ensuring a smooth democratic process.
