A large-scale revision of West Bengal’s electoral roll has sparked controversy after roughly 13 lakh (1.3 million) names flagged “under adjudication” were deleted. The deletions, announced as part of the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR), have raised questions about transparency and the risk of legitimate voters being disenfranchised ahead of the April 2026 assembly elections.
What “under adjudication” means
“Voters under adjudication” refers to entries whose eligibility is being verified because of issues such as duplicate entries, migration, reported deaths, or untraceable or unverifiable addresses. These cases are being considered by judicial officers appointed for the SIR exercise. Of about 60 lakh names initially flagged for adjudication, roughly 32 lakh cases have been decided so far, with around 40%—approximately 13 lakh—leading to deletions.
Scale and context
The recent deletions are part of an ongoing cleanup that had already removed more than 63 lakh names earlier, bringing the cumulative deletions to near 76 lakh voters. Supplementary lists and further adjudications remain under way, so the total may change as the SIR continues to be implemented and additional cases are reviewed.
Stated reasons for removals
The Election Commission says these removals are routine and intended to maintain an accurate, up-to-date electoral roll. Common grounds cited for deletion include:
– duplicate registrations
– migration out of the state or constituency
– deaths of registered voters
– untraceable or unverified entries
Officials say documentation-based reviews by judicial officers are used to support decisions.
Concerns and criticism
Opposition parties, civil society groups, and some citizens have expressed concern about the scale and pace of deletions, warning that errors could lead to wrongful disenfranchisement. Conflicting public estimates of removed names—ranging between about 8 lakh and 14 lakh—have added to confusion. Several voters report discovering their names missing despite being eligible, and limited booth-level clarity in some areas has increased distrust of the process.
Legal and administrative oversight
The adjudication work is being handled by roughly 700 judicial officers, and courts, including the Calcutta High Court, have played a role in overseeing publication and transparency of supplementary lists. The Election Commission has said that decisions are documentation-driven and that legal channels exist for review and appeal.
Impact on the 2026 election
With West Bengal home to over seven crore (70 million) eligible voters, even modest percentage changes in the roll can matter politically. Key risks cited by critics include the potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters, a surge in administrative appeals and corrections, and increased polarisation around voter-list integrity. Officials point to remedies available to affected individuals, who can file objections, submit supporting documents, and use designated appeals mechanisms.
What affected voters can do
Citizens whose names have been removed are advised to check official electoral portals, consult booth-level officers, and follow published procedures to file objections or appeals. Supplementary lists that correct earlier decisions may be published in phases; individuals should retain identity and residency documents needed to seek reinstatement.
Conclusion
The removal of roughly 13 lakh entries from West Bengal’s rolls has become a flashpoint ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. While authorities frame the exercise as necessary housekeeping to preserve electoral integrity, the scale and speed of deletions have prompted scrutiny over accuracy and inclusion. Ensuring a clean roll while protecting the rights of legitimate voters will be a central challenge as the revision proceeds.
