What Are the Details of 43 Lakh Dead Voters Locked in ECI Database in Bengal?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has revealed alarming statistics regarding deceased voters in West Bengal. With 43 lakh names still on the electoral roll, this raises questions about electoral integrity. The process of updating these records is in motion, with potential implications for upcoming elections. How will this impact voter representation?
Key Takeaways
- 43 lakh deceased voters still on the electoral roll.
- Data sourced primarily from the Aadhaar database.
- Ongoing SIR process aims to update electoral records.
- Final voters' list to be published by March 2026.
- Political implications are significant, especially for upcoming elections.
Kolkata, Nov 13 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has secured in its database the information regarding 43 lakh deceased voters in West Bengal, whose names are still present on the state's electoral roll as of October 27.
According to officials from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, approximately 34 lakh of these deceased voters' details were sourced from the Aadhaar database.
Furthermore, the information for around 11 lakh deceased voters was derived from the lists of beneficiaries from various welfare programs in West Bengal, including the widow pension schemes and the Samobathi Prakalpa, a financial assistance initiative from the state government that offers a one-time grant of Rs 2,000 to financially struggling families to help with the necessary expenses for conducting rites and rituals for the deceased.
As per sources in the CEO's office, the number of deceased voters is likely to rise further in both the draft and final voters' lists following a thorough evaluation of the enumeration forms collected.
As of October 27, the total number of electors in West Bengal stands at 7,66,37,529. The first phase of the three-stage SIR in West Bengal, which involves the distribution of enumeration forms by booth-level officers, commenced on November 4 and is anticipated to conclude by Friday.
The entire SIR process is expected to reach completion with the release of the final voters' list by March 2026, just months before the upcoming elections in West Bengal.
The last instance of SIR being conducted in West Bengal was in 2002, with the 2002 voters' list serving as the foundation for the current revision exercise.
The Trinamool Congress has already submitted a petition to the Calcutta High Court, challenging the decision to use the 2002 voters' list as the basis for the ongoing revision process.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach the revelations regarding deceased voters in West Bengal with a sense of responsibility and accuracy. The ongoing work by the Election Commission illustrates their commitment to maintaining electoral integrity. However, the concerns raised by various political entities, such as the Trinamool Congress, highlight the need for transparency and due diligence in the electoral process. It is crucial to ensure that every eligible voter is accurately represented in the upcoming elections.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dead voters are listed in the West Bengal electoral roll?
As of October 27, there are 43 lakh dead voters still listed on the electoral roll in West Bengal.
Where did the Election Commission source the information about deceased voters?
The Election Commission obtained details from the Aadhaar database and lists of beneficiaries from various welfare schemes.
What is the significance of the SIR process?
The SIR process is vital for updating the electoral roll and ensuring that only eligible voters are listed, which is crucial for fair elections.
When is the final voters' list expected to be published?
The final voters' list is expected to be published by March 2026.
What has the Trinamool Congress stated regarding the voters' list?
The Trinamool Congress has filed a petition questioning the decision to use the 2002 voters' list as the base for the current revision exercise.
