The hearing phase for claims and objections related to the draft electoral rolls in West Bengal has concluded, with authorities identifying an additional 4.98 lakh voters as eligible for deletion from the final voters’ list. The process forms part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision aimed at updating and verifying voter records ahead of upcoming elections.
According to officials associated with the revision process, the identified voters failed to appear at scheduled hearings despite receiving multiple notices. Their absence led to their inclusion in the list of names proposed for removal from the final electoral roll. The figure was reduced from over 6.25 lakh potential deletions after more than one lakh voters attended hearings on the final day and submitted necessary documentation.
The hearing process, which continued for nearly 50 days, began in late December and focused on addressing claims and objections to the draft voter list. Earlier, during the initial enumeration phase, more than 58 lakh names had already been excluded from the draft rolls after being found ineligible due to reasons such as death, duplication, or permanent relocation. The newly identified 4.98 lakh names will be added to this count, though the final number of deletions will only be confirmed once the final electoral roll is published.
Officials have stated that scrutiny of identity documents submitted by those who attended the hearings will continue until February 21. During this period, further deletions may occur if any submitted documents are found invalid or unverifiable. The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on February 28, after which the complete picture of additions and deletions will become clear.
District-wise data indicates that the highest number of absentees from hearings came from North 24 Parganas, followed by South 24 Parganas and parts of Kolkata. Kalimpong district reported the lowest number of absentees. The ongoing revision is considered a key preparatory step for the forthcoming state Assembly elections, with authorities focusing on ensuring an accurate and updated voter database.
Following the publication of the final list, a review of the post-revision situation is expected, after which the schedule for the Assembly elections later this year may be announced.
