EC of India reveals over 9 million voters excluded in West Bengal, releases district data

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Election Commission of India has released detailed data related to the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal,l revealing that over 90 lakh voters have been removed so far. For the first time, the Commission has also shared district-wise figures of additions and deletions a move aimed at improving transparency in the voter list revision process.

The revision exercise was carried out in multiple phases. Initially, around 58 lakh names were removed in the draft published in December 2025 followed by further deletions before the final list in February 2026. Additionally, over 60 lakh cases were flagged due to discrepancies and placed under scrutiny. Out of these, nearly 59 lakh cases have been resolved with more than 32 lakh eligible voters reinstated and around 27 lakh found ineligible and removed, while some cases are still under review.

The large-scale revision has sparked political debate in the state. While the Commission maintains that the process is essential to ensure accuracy and credibility of electoral rolls, opposition parties including the All India Trinamool Congress have alleged that the deletions could disenfranchise certain sections of voters. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has supported the exercise calling it necessary for maintaining the integrity of elections ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls.