Are New Voter Registrations Without Documents a Cause for Concern Ahead of SIR in Bengal?
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Synopsis
Recent reports have raised serious concerns about new voter registrations occurring without valid documentation in West Bengal. With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls approaching, officials are alarmed by the irregularities observed, particularly in constituencies not near the Bangladesh border, hinting at a potentially larger issue.
Key Takeaways
- Heightened vigilance is crucial ahead of the electoral roll revision.
- 127 dubious voter registrations flagged in two constituencies.
- Concerns are particularly high in areas not near international borders.
- Form-6 applications have seen a sharp increase in certain districts.
- Immediate investigation urged by political leaders.
Kolkata, July 31 (NationPress) The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal is currently under heightened scrutiny due to alarming reports of new voter registrations being carried out without valid supporting documents, even prior to the initiation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Officials have flagged 127 occurrences of new voter registrations lacking appropriate documentation, with these cases originating from just two constituencies -- Moyna in the East Midnapore district and Baruipur (Purba) constituency in South 24 Parganas district.
Among these, a concerning 87 names have been reported from Moyna, while the remaining 38 belong to Baruipur (Purba).
This alarming statistic has raised red flags at the CEO's office, especially since these irregularities have emerged from only two assembly constituencies, and notably before the commencement of the SIR. The state comprises a total of 294 constituencies.
Notably, neither Moyna nor Baruipur (Purba) is situated near international borders with neighboring Bangladesh, which makes these findings particularly troubling.
Senior officials are apprehensive that the number of such questionable registrations could be significantly higher in districts adjacent to Bangladesh.
The situation is further exacerbated by a marked increase in Form-6 applications in certain districts over the past fortnight. These districts include Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, North Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, and both North & South 24 Parganas, all of which share international borders with Bangladesh.
Form 6 is the application used for adding one’s name to the electoral list.
On Wednesday, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to launch an immediate investigation and take appropriate action against the electoral registration officers (EROs) suspected of accepting Form 6 applications from fictitious voters without proper verification.
The CEO's office in West Bengal has already issued a memo this week, highlighting instances where EROs were found to have processed a substantial number of Form-6 applications from such fraudulent voters during sample reviews.
Officials assert that the current situation underlines the necessity for increased vigilance ahead of the forthcoming electoral roll revision exercise.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize the importance of transparent and accountable electoral processes. The alarming rise in dubious voter registrations ahead of the Special Intensive Revision demands immediate attention from the authorities. Ensuring a fair electoral environment is vital for maintaining public trust in democracy.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process conducted to update and maintain the accuracy of electoral rolls.
Why are new voter registrations being questioned?
Concerns have arisen due to reports of registrations being processed without valid supporting documents.
Which constituencies are involved in the irregularities?
The irregularities have primarily been reported in Moyna and Baruipur (Purba) constituencies.
What is Form-6?
Form-6 is an application used for including one's name in the electoral list.
What action is being taken against the electoral registration officers (EROs)?
The leader of the opposition has urged the Election Commission of India to investigate and take action against EROs involved in fraudulent registrations.
