Why is SIR Essential? Praveen Khandelwal Responds as 50 Lakh Names are Flagged for Exclusion in Bengal Voter List
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Synopsis
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal supports the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal, highlighting the necessity of removing nearly 50 lakh flagged names from the voter list as a means to uphold democracy. With significant implications for the state's electoral integrity, this process is garnering attention from various political figures.
Key Takeaways
- SIR is crucial for maintaining electoral integrity in West Bengal.
- Approximately 50 lakh names have been flagged for potential removal from the voter list.
- Many flagged names include deceased voters and those who have moved away.
- The process began on November 4 and is ongoing.
- The final electoral roll is expected to be published on February 14, 2026.
New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal defended the Election Commission's current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal on Friday, revealing that approximately 50 lakh names have been marked for possible removal from the electoral rolls.
Khandelwal described this finding as a validation of the ongoing verification, emphasizing its importance in maintaining the integrity of India's democratic systems.
Addressing reports that the SIR has pinpointed numerous individuals who no longer reside in the state, Khandelwal stated, “This clearly demonstrates the necessity of SIR. It serves as a robust counter to those who questioned the process. How can we claim to strengthen democracy when the voter list includes individuals who have illegally joined it? Removing such persons is critical, and that is the purpose of SIR.”
Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that these findings reveal what he termed demographic manipulation in West Bengal.
“The strategies of Mamata Banerjee are becoming evident. The alterations made to the local demographics are slowly being uncovered. Voters who do not belong to Bengal’s population were registered, facilitating malpractice. The Election Commission of India will certainly take appropriate measures,” he remarked.
Officials familiar with the process noted that around 50 lakh names have been flagged for exclusion during the digitization of enumeration forms under the SIR, which commenced on November 4.
The count was slightly over 46 lakh by Tuesday evening but surpassed the 50-lakh threshold by Wednesday night, indicating that nearly four lakh additional names were categorized for removal within just 24 hours.
Data from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal indicates that of the flagged names, over 23 lakh are classified as deceased voters, while more than 18 lakh are listed as having shifted.
Additionally, over seven lakh voters were deemed untraceable, with the remaining individuals identified as duplicates or marked for deletion for other reasons.
A clearer overview will be available when the draft voters’ list is released on December 16, followed by notices, hearings, verifications, and the resolution of claims and objections until February 7, 2026. The final electoral roll is expected to be published on February 14. As of October 27, West Bengal had a total electorate of 7,66,37,529 voters.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the importance of maintaining electoral integrity. The ongoing Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal is a crucial step in identifying and rectifying discrepancies in the voter list, ensuring that the democratic process remains transparent and fair. The concerns raised by political figures highlight the need for vigilance in our electoral systems, reinforcing the notion that every eligible citizen must have their rightful place in the democratic process.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process initiated by the Election Commission to verify and update the electoral rolls, ensuring that only eligible voters are included.
Why were 50 lakh names flagged for exclusion?
Approximately 50 lakh names were flagged during the SIR process due to reasons such as being deceased, having moved away, or being untraceable.
What is the significance of this revision?
SIR plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that the voter list is accurate and representative of the current population.
When will the final electoral roll be published?
The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on February 14, 2026.
Who is responsible for the SIR?
The Election Commission of India oversees the Special Intensive Revision process to maintain the accuracy of the electoral rolls.
