Kolkata | Bengal SIR: In a major development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled early next year, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed that more than 58 lakh voter names have been deleted from the state’s draft electoral roll for 2026.
The disclosure came on Tuesday morning, just hours before the official publication of the draft rolls, when the Commission uploaded the list of deleted voters on its official website.
Why Were Over 58 Lakh Names Removed?
According to Election Commission sources, the deletions are part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process aimed at cleaning and updating the voter database.
Key Reasons for Deletion
The removed names fall under the following categories:
- Voters not found at their registered addresses
- Individuals who have permanently shifted
- Deceased voters
- Duplicate entries, where the same voter was registered in more than one constituency
Officials confirmed that the number of “uncollectable SIR enumeration forms” crossed the 58-lakh mark, leading to their exclusion from the draft rolls.
Where Can Voters Check the Deleted List?
The complete list of deleted voters has been made available on the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal portal.
Voters can verify their status by visiting:
👉 ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/asdsir
Election officials have urged citizens to check their names at the earliest to avoid last-minute complications.
Claims and Objections: Important Dates
The Election Commission has provided a clear window for affected voters to seek inclusion.
H3: How to File a Claim
- Claims Period: December 16, 2025 to January 15, 2026
- Form Required: Form 6, along with a Declaration Form
- Documents Needed: Valid supporting identity and address proofs
The Commission stated that any aggrieved voter whose name was deleted can apply during this period after the publication of the draft roll.
High Stakes Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
West Bengal is set to witness elections to its 294-member Legislative Assembly early next year. With political temperatures already rising, the scale of deletions has drawn attention from various quarters, making voter awareness and verification crucial.
Election officials, however, maintain that the exercise is routine, lawful, and essential to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
What Voters Should Do Now
Authorities are advising all eligible voters to:
- Check their names in the draft electoral roll
- File claims immediately if wrongly excluded
- Ensure documentation is accurate and updated
Timely action, officials say, will prevent disenfranchisement when polling begins.
Summary: Key Highlights
- Over 58 lakh voter names deleted from West Bengal’s draft electoral roll
- Deletions linked to absence, death, relocation, or duplicate registration
- Deleted list published ahead of draft roll release
- Claims window open from Dec 16, 2025 to Jan 15, 2026
- Elections to the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly due early next year
Stay tuned for further updates on West Bengal elections and voter-related developments.