What Do Voters in Bengal Need to Retain Their Names in the Voters' List?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
With about 2 crore voters in West Bengal needing to submit crucial documents for the upcoming SIR initiative, the stakes are high. Discover the implications for those affected and how to navigate this critical process to ensure your voting rights remain intact.
Key Takeaways
- 2 crore voters in West Bengal need to provide documentation.
- The last voters' list revision occurred in 2002.
- Districts with borders to Bangladesh are most affected.
- Voters listed in 2002 will automatically be included.
- The AADHAR card alone is insufficient for proof of citizenship.
Kolkata, Oct 28 (NationPress) Approximately 2 crore current voters in West Bengal are required to submit at least one of the documents specified by the Election Commission of India (ECI) during the special intensive revision (SIR) initiative, as per an estimate from the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). This requirement arises because the names of these voters were not included in the last revision conducted in 2002.
The process of “mapping & matching” the voter list with that from 2002 has been finalized across all districts in West Bengal, with the exception of the two districts in North Bengal, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, which were severely impacted by floods and landslides earlier this month.
Utilizing data and records from districts where the mapping has been completed, along with rough estimates for Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, the CEO's office has determined that around two crore voters will need to present any one of the documents mandated by the ECI to ensure their names remain in the voters' list.
According to an insider from the CEO’s office, most of these voters needing to provide documentation are from districts bordering Bangladesh.
Under SIR guidelines, voters listed in 2002 will automatically be registered in the new voters' list, and those individuals will not need to present any documentation to verify their eligibility.
Conversely, individuals not listed in 2002 must submit the required documents as outlined by the ECI. While the AADHAR card is included in the accepted documents, the ECI emphasizes that it is insufficient on its own; voters must also provide any one of the other 11 documents to establish their citizenship, as per ECI specifications.
Importantly, the AADHAR card is neither recognized as proof of citizenship nor age.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial for all eligible voters to understand the requirements set forth by the Election Commission of India. This initiative aims to ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and inclusive. We stand committed to providing our readers with accurate information to facilitate their participation in democracy.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do voters in West Bengal need to provide documents?
Voters must provide documents because their names were not included in the last voters' list revision in 2002, as mandated by the Election Commission of India.
What documents are required for the SIR exercise?
Voters need to provide any one of the documents specified by the ECI, including the AADHAR card along with other citizenship proofs.
What happens if my name is in the 2002 list?
If your name is in the 2002 list, it will be automatically registered in the new voters' list without the need for additional documentation.
Are there specific regions affected by the SIR exercise?
Yes, the districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri are particularly affected due to recent flooding and landslides.
How can I ensure my voting rights are protected?
Make sure to submit the necessary documentation before the deadline to retain your name in the voters’ list.
