Why Are the Electorate Names in Kolkata Not Matching the 2002 Voter List?
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Synopsis
Major discrepancies have been discovered in the electoral names in Kolkata's Assembly constituencies compared to the 2002 voter list, affecting millions. How will this impact the upcoming elections? Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds and the draft list is published on December 9.
Key Takeaways
- Names of 26 lakh voters do not match the 2002 list.
- Discrepancies are significant in various Kolkata constituencies.
- Over 5 crore forms have been digitized already.
- Voters missing from the list need specific identity documents.
- The SIR process is crucial for updating elector information.
Kolkata, Nov 27 (NationPress) Discrepancies have emerged regarding the electoral names in the Assembly constituencies surrounding Kolkata, as they do not align with the 2002 voter list, according to sources from Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal's office.
The process of digitizing the enumeration forms for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) collected from voters is currently in progress.
As of Wednesday afternoon, approximately 26 lakh voters have been identified whose names, or their parents' names, do not correspond with the 2002 voter list.
This issue is particularly pronounced in Assembly constituencies such as Kolkata Port, Kasba, Sonarpur (Dakshin), Sonarpur (Uttar), Behala (Purba), Behala (Pashim), Rajarhat-New Town, and Rajarhat Gopalpur, among others, all of which are located within Kolkata and its neighboring districts of North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas.
Additionally, a significant number of discrepancies have been noted in districts like West Burdwan and the Indo-Bangladesh bordering districts of Nadia and Murshidabad, as reported by the sources.
The total number of electors registered in West Bengal, as per the electoral roll dated October 27, stands at 7,66,37,529. By Wednesday, the digitization of 5 crore enumeration forms collected by the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) has been completed.
The full scope of the situation will be revealed on December 9, when the draft voters' list is set to be published.
In accordance with SIR norms, individuals whose names or their parents' names appear in the 2002 electoral rolls will automatically be recognized as valid voters.
On the other hand, those whose names or their parents' names are absent from the 2002 electoral rolls must provide one of the 11 identity documents specified by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Although AADHAAR was included as the 12th identity document following a Supreme Court ruling, the commission has clarified that anyone providing an AADHAAR must also present an additional document from the previously specified list of 11.
The SIR initiative in West Bengal commenced on November 4 and is anticipated to conclude by the end of March next year. The last SIR was conducted in 2002.
Point of View
It’s crucial to address the discrepancies in voter registrations that could undermine the electoral process. Ensuring the integrity of voter lists is essential for maintaining public trust in democracy. The upcoming publication of the draft list on December 9 will be pivotal in clarifying the situation and guiding necessary actions.
NationPress
27/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the voter list discrepancies in Kolkata?
As of now, 26 lakh voters have been identified with discrepancies in their names compared to the 2002 voter list.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR is a process for updating and digitizing voter information to ensure accurate electoral rolls.
When will the draft voters' list be published?
The draft voters' list is scheduled for publication on December 9.
What do voters need to do if their names are not in the 2002 electoral rolls?
They must provide one of the 11 identity documents specified by the Election Commission of India.
How many electors are registered in West Bengal?
As of October 27, there are 7,66,37,529 registered electors in West Bengal.
