How Many Applications Did the ECI Receive for New Voter Inclusions?
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Synopsis
The recent updates from the Election Commission of India reveal a staggering number of applications for new voter inclusions. What does this mean for the electoral process in West Bengal? Dive into the statistics and the implications surrounding the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI has received 1,90,463 Form-6 applications for new voter inclusions.
- A total of 38,214 Form-7 applications were filed for deletion of names.
- The majority of Form-7 applications are for deceased voters.
- The ECI is addressing security concerns following incidents during the hearing sessions.
- The security grade for CEO Manoj Agarwal was upgraded to 'Y-category'.
Kolkata, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released detailed statistics regarding the applications for adding and removing names from the voters' list. These applications were submitted during the hearing sessions on claims and objections that commenced after the publication of the list on December 16, 2025.
According to insiders from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, as of January 3, 2026, the ECI has received 1,90,463 Form-6 applications that are related to the request for including new names in the voters' roll.
Conversely, during the same timeframe, the CEO’s office reported that the ECI received a total of 38,214 Form-7 applications which pertained to requests for removing names from the voters' list.
The majority of the new Form-7 applications concern deceased voters who passed away after the draft voters’ list was published on December 16, 2025, as well as cases where family members did not submit Form-7s during the enumeration phase.
Thus, the ECI does not view the significantly higher number of Form-6 applications compared to Form-7 applications as unusual following the release of the draft voters’ list.
In a related matter, the ECI has requested a comprehensive report from Rajeev Kumar, the Director General of West Bengal Police, regarding an incident of heckling involving the ECI-appointed special observer, Murugan, who was in Magarahat of the South 24 Parganas district overseeing the hearing sessions last week.
The ECI has instructed DGP Rajeev Kumar to provide a detailed action taken report (ATR) by January 6. An insider from the CEO’s office also mentioned that the ECI is seeking explanations for the inadequate security measures that were in place for Murugan during his supervision of the hearing session.
The ECI has warned the state police that any future oversights regarding the security for the observers of the voter list will not be overlooked.
Last month, the Union Home Ministry decided to enhance the security level for Manoj Agarwal, the Central Electoral Officer for West Bengal, following recommendations from the ECI. His security was upgraded to 'Y-category', allowing him to receive protection from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Additionally, CAPF personnel will also be deployed at the CEO’s office located in central Kolkata, as per the recent ECI recommendations.
Point of View
The recent influx of applications for voter inclusion highlights the importance of maintaining an accurate voters' list. The efficient handling of these applications is crucial for ensuring fair elections. It is essential for the Election Commission of India to address security concerns effectively to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Form-6 applications?
Form-6 applications are vital as they pertain to the inclusion of new voters in the electoral rolls, ensuring that eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process.
Why are there more Form-6 applications than Form-7?
The higher number of Form-6 applications is primarily due to the inclusion of new eligible voters, while Form-7 applications mainly concern deceased voters or those who need removal from the list.
What actions has the ECI taken regarding security concerns?
The ECI has requested detailed reports from the police regarding security lapses and has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of its observers during the electoral process.
