Has the ECI Found 18.70 Lakh Deceased Voters in Bengal's Current Voter List?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has revealed a staggering count of 18.70 lakh deceased voters in West Bengal's electoral rolls. As the Special Intensive Revision process nears its first phase completion, officials predict that the total number of deletions could reach 35 lakh. This raises significant concerns about the integrity of the voter list.
Key Takeaways
- 18.70 lakh deceased voters identified in West Bengal.
- Projected deletions from the voter list could total 35 lakh.
- First phase of SIR concluded on November 4.
- Final voter list published on December 9.
- Voter identification requires specified documents.
Kolkata, Nov 30 (NationPress) As the initial phase of the three-tier Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal approaches its conclusion, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has uncovered that there are 18.70 lakh deceased voters still listed in the existing voter rolls as of the evening of November 29.
Officials from the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office in West Bengal indicated that the ECI has revised its projection for the number of voters expected to be removed from the draft voters’ list, scheduled for publication on December 9, to approximately 35 lakh.
This updated total of 35 lakh comprises the 18.70 lakh deceased voters, along with duplicates, voters who cannot be traced, and those who have permanently relocated to other states.
“This number is derived from the ongoing digitisation process of enumeration forms collected from voters. As of Saturday evening, 88.50% of these forms have been digitised. The actual count of voters whose names will be removed once digitisation is finalized will likely be higher. A clearer picture will emerge following the draft voters’ list release on December 9,” stated a source from the CEO's office.
The total voter population in West Bengal, according to the electoral roll as of October 27, 2025, stands at 7,66,37,529.
The first stage of the three-level SIR was initiated on November 4, with the entire process anticipated to conclude by the end of March next year. The last SIR in the state took place in 2002.
According to SIR guidelines, voters listed in 2002 will be automatically recognized as valid. Those without names in the 2002 list must provide one of the 11 identity documents specified by the ECI to retain their registration.
While the Aadhaar card is included as the 12th document, the ECI has clarified that individuals must also submit one additional document from the original 11.
Point of View
The identification of 18.70 lakh deceased voters by the ECI highlights pressing issues regarding electoral integrity and the need for meticulous voter roll maintenance. This situation demands immediate attention to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process in West Bengal, reinforcing the importance of accurate voter representation.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process conducted by the Election Commission to update and maintain the accuracy of the electoral rolls.
How many deceased voters have been identified?
The Election Commission has identified 18.70 lakh deceased voters currently listed in West Bengal's electoral rolls.
When will the draft voters’ list be published?
The draft voters’ list is scheduled to be published on December 9.
What is the total number of voters in West Bengal as per the latest electoral roll?
As of October 27, 2025, the total number of voters in West Bengal is 7,66,37,529.
What documents are needed to retain a name in the voters’ list?
Voters must provide one of the 11 specified identity documents if their names are not in the 2002 voters' list.
