Has Bengal SIR Resulted in the Identification of Eight Lakh Additional Excludable Voters?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Election Commission of India has revealed that a re-verification process in West Bengal has uncovered an astonishing eight lakh additional excludable voters. This surge highlights the importance of meticulous data handling in the electoral process and raises questions about the implications for future elections.
Key Takeaways
- Eight lakh additional excludable voters identified.
- Re-verification process conducted from December 3 to December 11.
- Final voters’ list will be published on February 14, 2026.
- First stage of SIR ends on December 16.
- Ten Electoral Registration Officers will manage claims and objections.
Kolkata, Dec 15 (NationPress) The decision made by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for a re-verification of the data provided in the completed enumeration forms collected by booth-level officers (BLOs) during the initial phase of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal has resulted in the identification of approximately eight lakh more excludable voters within just a week, spanning from December 3 to December 11.
The re-verification process commenced on December 3 and continued until December 11, which also marked the deadline for submitting and digitizing the enumeration forms.
As per insiders from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the total count of identified excludable voters as of December 3 stood at around 50.22 lakh, which surged to 58.08 lakh by December 11.
The tally of deceased voters increased from around 23 lakh on December 3 to approximately 24.18 lakh by December 11.
The number of voters who have permanently relocated, categorized as shifted voters, rose from 17 lakh to around 20 lakh during the same timeframe.
Additionally, the count of untraceable voters grew from about eight lakh to 12 lakh.
The only slight decrease observed was in the total number of duplicate voters, those listed in multiple locations, along with voters considered excludable for other reasons, which decreased from 1.50 lakh on December 3 to 1.37 lakh on December 11.
The first stage of the three-phase SIR, which began on November 4, is set to conclude on December 16 with the release of the draft voters’ list.
Following this, the second stage will commence, which includes the filing of claims and objections, along with the notice phase—covering the issuance, hearing, verification, and resolution of enumeration forms and the disposal of claims and objections—managed concurrently by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
A total of 10 EROs will be responsible for handling hearings on claims and objections across each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in the state.
The final voters’ list is scheduled for publication on February 14, 2026. Shortly thereafter, the ECI will announce the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.
Point of View
A key aspect that affects the democratic fabric of our nation. At NationPress, we advocate for transparency and accountability in all electoral practices.
NationPress
15/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the re-verification process?
The re-verification process aims to ensure the accuracy of the electoral rolls by identifying excludable voters, thereby enhancing the integrity of the electoral system.
How many additional excludable voters were identified?
Approximately eight lakh additional excludable voters were identified during the re-verification process from December 3 to December 11.
What are the next steps after the re-verification?
The next steps include the publication of the draft voters' list on December 16, followed by the second stage which involves filing claims and objections.
