Is the Election Commission of India Concerned About the High Voter Count in Bengal's SIR?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The recent enumeration in West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision has led to skepticism from the Election Commission of India due to an unusually high voter count identified through progeny-mapping, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process. Will the upcoming polling dates be affected?
Key Takeaways
- High number of voters identified through progeny-mapping raises questions.
- The ECI is taking precautionary measures to verify voter details.
- Self-mapping numbers are significantly lower than progeny-mapping.
- Final voters' list to be published on February 14, 2026.
- Upcoming polling dates will follow shortly after the voters' list release.
Kolkata, Dec 12 (NationPress) Following the conclusion of the enumeration phase in West Bengal's three-stage Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed reservations regarding the unusually high number of voters identified via progeny-mapping.
According to data from the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office, the tally of voters identified through progeny-mapping is a staggering 3,84,85,166.
Conversely, the figures for those identified through self-mapping are significantly lower, at 2,94,52,893.
Self-mapping refers to voters listed both in the current electoral rolls as of October 27, 2025, and in the 2002 voters' list, the last time the SIR was carried out in West Bengal.
In contrast, progeny-mapping pertains to individuals whose names are absent from the current list but are recorded under their parents' names from 2002.
In light of these findings, the ECI has directed electoral officials in West Bengal involved in the SIR process to meticulously verify the details of voters identified through progeny-mapping before their names are included in the draft voters' list, set to be released on December 16.
The ECI has also instructed the special roll observers to oversee the ongoing SIR and ensure accurate rechecking of data for voters identified through progeny-mapping.
Sources from the CEO's office revealed that while reviewing the data for these voters, electoral officials have been cautioned to pay special attention to those whose age gap with their parents appears suspiciously small.
Additionally, electoral officers, particularly the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Additional Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), are advised to confirm that the photographs on the enumeration forms match the new images provided by voters.
The finalized voters' list for West Bengal is scheduled for publication on February 14, 2026.
Shortly thereafter, the ECI is expected to announce the polling dates for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.
Point of View
The findings of the enumeration phase in West Bengal's SIR raise crucial questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process. While the ECI's cautious approach is commendable, it is essential to ensure that all eligible voters are accurately represented. The upcoming elections should reflect the true will of the people, and any discrepancies must be addressed promptly.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is progeny-mapping?
Progeny-mapping refers to the process of identifying voters whose names are not directly on the current electoral rolls but appear under their parents' names from previous voters' lists.
Why is the ECI concerned about the high number of voters identified through progeny-mapping?
The unusually high count of voters identified through progeny-mapping raises concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process, prompting the ECI to call for careful verification.
When will the final voters' list for West Bengal be published?
The final voters' list is scheduled for publication on February 14, 2026.
What is self-mapping in the context of voter identification?
Self-mapping refers to voters who are listed both in the current electoral rolls as of October 27, 2025, and in the 2002 voters' list.
What measures is the ECI taking to ensure accuracy in voter identification?
The ECI has directed electoral officials to recheck the details of voters identified through progeny-mapping and to ensure that the photographs on enumeration forms match those provided by voters.
