NATIONAL: Bengal Set to Remove Over 58 Lakh Votes
West Bengal is undergoing a special intensive revision of its electoral rolls ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
The exercise, which began on November 4, involved house-to-house verification by booth-level officers.
More than 90,000 such officers worked across the state to update voter details.
The initial deadline was extended multiple times, finally wrapping up on December 11.
Publication of the draft electoral rolls started on Sunday evening and will be fully available to the public on December 16.
Scale of Proposed Deletions
Officials have flagged approximately 58 lakh names for potential removal from the voter list.
These include entries linked to deceased individuals, those who have relocated, untraceable voters, duplicates, and a smaller number of suspected fraudulent records.
This cleanup represents about 7.6 percent of the state’s roughly 7.66 crore registered electors.
Districts like South 24 Parganas saw the highest numbers, while variations exist across constituencies.
Reasons for Removals
The deletions stem from standard verification categories.
- Deceased voters form the largest group.
- Shifted or permanently relocated electors follow closely.
- Untraceable cases and duplicates round out the main issues.
The process aims to ensure an accurate and updated roll for fair elections.
Next Steps for Voters
Once the draft list is published on December 16, citizens can review it and file claims or objections.
- The window for additions, corrections, or challenges runs until January 17, 2026.
- Hearings and verifications will continue through early February.
- The final electoral roll is scheduled for release in February 2026.
Voters are encouraged to check their status promptly and submit any necessary documentation.