Assembly Elections 2026: Massive Voter List Revision in West Bengal, 91 Lakh Names Deleted
Just days before the crucial Assembly elections, West Bengal’s voter list has seen a sharp reduction, with over 91 lakh names deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The move has brought the total electorate down by nearly 12%, from 7.66 crore in October 2025 to 6.75 crore now, triggering a major political debate across the State.
Massive Deletions After Verification Drive
The revision process picked up pace over the past few months. By February-end, nearly 63 lakh names had already been removed. Another 60 lakh voters were placed under adjudication, and of these, around 27.16 lakh were excluded following scrutiny on April 7. This marks a 45% exclusion rate among those flagged for verification.
Muslim-Majority Districts See Higher Impact
The deletions have been particularly significant in districts with a high Muslim population. Murshidabad recorded the highest removals, with over 4.55 lakh names struck off after scrutiny. North 24 Parganas followed with about 3.25 lakh deletions, while Malda saw nearly 2.39 lakh voters removed. Together, these regions account for a substantial share of the exclusions.
Appeals Remain, But Not for This Election
For the 27 lakh voters who were excluded, the next step lies with 19 appellate tribunals set up across the State. Many affected individuals have already begun approaching these bodies. However, for the upcoming Assembly elections, their chances to vote have effectively ended as electoral rolls have been frozen.
The Supreme Court of India has also declined a plea by the State government seeking more time to include these voters. The rolls for the first phase were frozen on April 6, with the second phase deadline set for April 9. Voting will take place in two phases, April 23 and April 29, covering all 294 constituencies.
Political War of Words Intensifies
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the deletions, calling them “vote theft.” She alleged that specific communities, including Muslims, Matuas, and Rajbangshis, were selectively targeted.
On the other hand, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defended the process, stating that illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh were being removed from the rolls.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has urged the State to seek urgent intervention to allow excluded voters to participate in the polls.
As the Assembly elections approach, the issue of voter deletions has emerged as a key flashpoint, adding fresh intensity to an already heated political contest.
Massive Deletions After Verification Drive
The revision process picked up pace over the past few months. By February-end, nearly 63 lakh names had already been removed. Another 60 lakh voters were placed under adjudication, and of these, around 27.16 lakh were excluded following scrutiny on April 7. This marks a 45% exclusion rate among those flagged for verification. Muslim-Majority Districts See Higher Impact
The deletions have been particularly significant in districts with a high Muslim population. Murshidabad recorded the highest removals, with over 4.55 lakh names struck off after scrutiny. North 24 Parganas followed with about 3.25 lakh deletions, while Malda saw nearly 2.39 lakh voters removed. Together, these regions account for a substantial share of the exclusions.Appeals Remain, But Not for This Election
For the 27 lakh voters who were excluded, the next step lies with 19 appellate tribunals set up across the State. Many affected individuals have already begun approaching these bodies. However, for the upcoming Assembly elections, their chances to vote have effectively ended as electoral rolls have been frozen. The Supreme Court of India has also declined a plea by the State government seeking more time to include these voters. The rolls for the first phase were frozen on April 6, with the second phase deadline set for April 9. Voting will take place in two phases, April 23 and April 29, covering all 294 constituencies.
Political War of Words Intensifies
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the deletions, calling them “vote theft.” She alleged that specific communities, including Muslims, Matuas, and Rajbangshis, were selectively targeted. On the other hand, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defended the process, stating that illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh were being removed from the rolls.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has urged the State to seek urgent intervention to allow excluded voters to participate in the polls.
As the Assembly elections approach, the issue of voter deletions has emerged as a key flashpoint, adding fresh intensity to an already heated political contest.
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