Digital Team
Mass deletion of voter names under Election Commission’s SIR triggers political storm in West Bengal ahead of 2026 Assembly polls
Nearly 45,000 voter names are missing from the draft electoral roll of Bhawanipur, the Assembly constituency of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, following the second phase of the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Across the state, over 58 lakh names have been deleted, citing reasons such as death, migration, prolonged absence, or duplicate registration—prompting sharp reactions from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and raising fresh political questions ahead of the 2026 elections.
Mass Voter Deletions Under SIR in West Bengal
The Election Commission of India (ECI) released the updated draft rolls as part of its ongoing Special Intensive Revision, a legally mandated process aimed at ensuring electoral integrity.
According to official data:
- 58 lakh voter names have been removed statewide
- Reasons include death, relocation, duplication, and prolonged non-verification
- Urban constituencies, including Kolkata, have seen higher deletions
However, the deletion of around 45,000 names in Bhawanipur, a high-profile seat held by Mamata Banerjee, has drawn intense political scrutiny.
Why Bhawanipur Is at the Centre of the Controversy
Bhawanipur holds symbolic and strategic importance for the TMC:
- Mamata Banerjee won the 2021 bypoll from the seat by a margin of 5,832 votes
- The reported deletions far exceed that margin
- Opposition parties argue the changes could alter future electoral arithmetic
TMC leaders have questioned the timing and scale of the deletions, alleging selective targeting of party strongholds.
TMC Launches Door-to-Door Re-Verification Drive
Reacting swiftly, the Trinamool Congress has activated its booth-level machinery:
- Party workers are conducting door-to-door verification
- TMC says it will help voters restore names during the claims and objections period
- The party has accused the ECI of procedural lapses at the grassroots level
Senior TMC leaders have said the party will “challenge wrongful deletions through constitutional means”.
Election Commission’s Stand on Voter List Cleanup
The Election Commission maintains that:
- SIR is a neutral, routine exercise
- Deletions are based on field verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs)
- Citizens whose names are deleted can reapply with documentation
- Final rolls will be published only after objections are addressed
Officials insist the process is essential to remove bogus, duplicate, and ineligible voters and strengthen democratic credibility.
Political Fallout Ahead of Bengal Assembly Elections
The controversy has widened the TMC vs BJP political divide:
- BJP leaders have welcomed the deletions, calling them a step toward “clean elections”
- TMC argues the process disproportionately impacts its voter base
- Similar large-scale deletions have been reported in other Kolkata constituencies
With Assembly elections due in 2026, voter roll accuracy is expected to remain a major flashpoint.
What Happens Next in the SIR Process
- The claims and objections window remains open
- Voters can submit forms online or through BLOs
- Final electoral rolls will be published after verification
- The ECI has indicated further scrutiny of suspicious or duplicate entries
Election officials say additional revisions may follow before elections.
High-Stakes Test for Electoral Integrity
The deletion of 45,000 voter names in Mamata Banerjee’s Bhawanipur constituency highlights how routine electoral roll revisions can swiftly escalate into high-stakes political flashpoints, as the claims and objections process progresses and the final SIR outcome is set to determine voter eligibility and shape the narrative ahead of West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections.
FAQ
Q1: Why were voter names deleted under SIR in West Bengal?
A: Names were removed due to death, relocation, duplicate registration, or prolonged non-verification.
Q2: How many voters were deleted in Bhawanipur?
A: Around 45,000 names are missing from the draft electoral roll.
Q3: Can deleted voters get their names restored?
A: Yes, through the claims and objections process with valid documents.
Q4: Is SIR legally mandated?
A: Yes, the Election Commission conducts SIR periodically under election laws.
Q5: Will this affect the 2026 Bengal elections?
A: Political parties believe it could influence voter dynamics, especially in urban seats.
Also Read:
TMC SIR voter deletions: 11 Lakh Voters Put Kolkata Seats at Risk
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