West Bengal draft voters list SIR — a massive clean-up of Bengal’s electoral rolls ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections has triggered both relief and controversy.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on December 16, 2025, published the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal after completing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 exercise. The move is being seen as one of the most extensive voter‑list revisions in the state’s recent history, coming at a politically sensitive moment less than a year before the Assembly elections.
Under the SIR process, the ECI undertook door‑to‑door verification and database checks to identify ineligible, duplicate, shifted, or deceased voters. The outcome has been dramatic: over 58 lakh voter names have been deleted from the draft rolls, while more than 7 crore voters remain on the list.
Why the Special Intensive Revision Was Conducted
The SIR 2026 was ordered to improve the accuracy and credibility of electoral rolls, particularly in states where large‑scale migration, urban expansion, and duplication complaints have been reported over the years. In West Bengal, the exercise was aimed at addressing long‑standing concerns over inflated voter lists, illegal duplication across constituencies, and outdated voter data.
According to the Election Commission, the revision focused on identifying voters who were marked under the ASDD category — Absent, Shifted, Dead, or Duplicate. Field‑level verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) formed the backbone of the exercise, supported by digital cross‑checks.
Key Numbers From the Draft Electoral Roll
After the completion of SIR 2026, the draft list presents a significantly revised voter base: the West Bengal draft voters list SIR
- Total voters in the draft list: Around 7.08 crore
- Total names deleted: Over 58 lakh
- Voters flagged under ASDD category: Approximately 1.7 crore for further scrutiny
Among the deleted names, a substantial portion belongs to voters officially recorded as deceased, while others were found to have permanently migrated, remained untraceable at their registered addresses, or appeared multiple times in the rolls.
West Bengal draft voters list SIR: Reasons Behind the Large‑Scale Deletions
The Election Commission clarified that the deletions were not arbitrary but followed strict verification norms. The major reasons cited include:
- Voters confirmed as deceased through field verification
- Individuals who had permanently shifted to another location
- Voters missing or untraceable during repeated visits by BLOs
- Duplicate entries detected across constituencies or districts
Officials stressed that names removed at the draft stage can still be restored if valid claims are submitted during the objection period.
Claims and Objections Window: What Voters Must Do
The draft electoral roll is not final. The ECI has opened a claims and objections window from December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026, allowing citizens to:
- Apply for inclusion of missing names using Form 6
- Seek correction of details such as name, age, or address
- Object to the wrongful inclusion or deletion of any voter
Voters can submit forms online through the ECI portal or offline via local election offices and Booth Level Officers. Supporting identity and residence documents may be required during verification.
When the Final Voters List Will Be Published
After reviewing all claims and objections, the Election Commission will conduct hearings and final verification in January and early February. The final electoral roll for West Bengal is scheduled to be published on February 14, 2026, setting the stage for the Assembly elections.
West Bengal draft voters list SIR: Political Reactions and Public Debate
The deletion of over 58 lakh names has sparked intense political debate in the state. Opposition parties have raised concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement, while the Election Commission has defended the exercise as a necessary step to ensure free and fair elections.
The ECI has repeatedly urged voters to verify their names and assured that no eligible voter will be excluded if they follow the claims process within the stipulated timeline.
Why This Revision Matters: West Bengal draft voters list SIR
Accurate electoral rolls are the foundation of democratic elections. The SIR 2026 exercise in West Bengal represents a decisive attempt to clean up outdated and inflated voter data. While the scale of deletions has raised eyebrows, the open objection process ensures that genuine voters still have a clear pathway to restore their names.
As West Bengal moves closer to the 2026 Assembly elections, the onus now lies equally on election authorities and citizens to ensure that every eligible vote counts — and every vote is backed by verified data.
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Author: Team BTP
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