Bengal SIR: Election Commission Releases Draft List Over 58 Lakh Names Removed

The Election Commission of India released the draft voter list after the Special Intensive Revision. Over 58 lakh voter names have been identified for deletion in West Bengal. This draft marks the conclusion of the enumeration phase across poll-bound constituencies in the state. Citizens now face a crucial period of claims, objections, and hearings to verify voter status. The second phase of the SIR exercise will continue until February 2026, covering all pending verifications. Final voter lists will be published on February 14, 2026, ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections. Citizens whose names were deleted can submit claims using Form 6 and provide supporting documents. The exercise aims to remove ineligible voters and maintain electoral integrity across the state. Officials emphasized strict timelines to ensure completion before the electoral process begins.

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Draft Voter List Released: Over 58 Lakh Names Marked for Deletion in Bengal

The ECI data revealed 24,16,852 voters were identified as dead across West Bengal constituencies. Another 19,88,076 voters shifted permanently or migrated outside the state. Authorities marked 12,20,038 voters as missing during the rigorous verification process this year. Additionally, 1,38,328 entries appeared duplicate, false, or otherwise invalid in the database. Another 57,604 names were proposed for deletion due to unspecified or other reasons identified. The Election Commission urged citizens to carefully check their names in the draft list immediately. Form 6 submissions allow affected voters to provide identification and correct the records efficiently. Officials will review each claim individually during the objection and verification phase across the state. SIR officials emphasized transparency to maintain public trust in the electoral process.

The Bengal SIR exercise ran from December 4 to December 11 under strict deadlines nationwide. The process witnessed an exodus of illegal Bangladeshis from vulnerable regions near the border. Booth-level officers protested harsh timelines and overwhelming workloads during the verification exercise. The ruling Trinamool Congress claimed that nearly 40 election officials died due to overwork and stress. Opposition parties, including BJP, accused TMC of spreading misinformation to discredit the SIR exercise nationwide. The Election Commission highlighted the nationwide significance of SIR in removing ineligible voters. Officials stated that accurate voter lists strengthen democracy and prevent electoral fraud across all states. Authorities stressed proper documentation and careful verification at every booth level during the exercise.

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SIR Exercise Sparks Political Tensions Ahead of Assembly Polls

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the SIR exercise and accused the BJP of manipulating voter lists. She urged citizens to protest if their names were deleted from official records. Banerjee warned that central authorities should face accountability if legitimate voters lost their names. The TMC leader claimed her government would protect all eligible voters from removal or exclusion. Her statements triggered political debates and heightened tensions ahead of the assembly elections. BJP countered the criticism, alleging that TMC opposed SIR to protect illegal immigrants in Bengal. Both parties have intensified campaigns, highlighting voter verification controversies in their electoral messaging. The political clash underscores the high stakes of the Bengal SIR process ahead of upcoming elections.

Apart from Bengal, the SIR exercise is underway in multiple Indian states and union territories. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, and Lakshadweep also conducted similar voter verifications. Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh followed strict SIR guidelines this year. The nationwide exercise aims to update electoral rolls accurately and remove ineligible entries. Officials reported challenges due to migration, missing records, and incomplete documentation in multiple states. The Election Commission emphasized citizen participation and timely submission of corrections using Form 6. Authorities stated that accurate voter lists strengthen electoral transparency and uphold democratic principles. SIR officials continue monitoring compliance and addressing grievances across all participating regions in India.

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