The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of the voter list in West Bengal by making public the names of individuals whose registrations have been proposed for deletion. This move follows the publication of the draft electoral roll and is part of the ongoing summary revision process.
Details of the Deletions Under Rule 17
The commission has published a comprehensive list containing 2,026 names that have been identified for removal from the draft electoral rolls. This action has been taken specifically under Rule 17 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The list is now accessible to the public, allowing for transparency and providing an opportunity for scrutiny.
According to the official communication, the list of deleted voters has been uploaded to the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal's official website. Citizens can visit the site to review the names and details of those proposed for deletion. This publication is a standard procedural step that occurs after the draft roll is finalized and before the final roll is published.
Opportunity for Claims and Objections
The publication of this list initiates a critical phase in the electoral roll revision process. It opens the window for claims and objections. Individuals whose names appear on the deletion list, or any other voter who has an objection to a name being included or excluded, can now file their representation.
The ECI has outlined a clear procedure for this. Any person intending to file an objection against an entry in the draft roll, or to a name being deleted, must do so in the prescribed format. This format, known as Form 7, is available for download from the same official website. The commission has emphasized that all such objections and claims must be submitted within the stipulated timeframe to be considered.
Ensuring a Clean and Accurate Voter List
This exercise is a fundamental part of the Election Commission's mandate to maintain an accurate and updated electoral roll. The process of identifying and removing ineligible or duplicate entries is crucial for preventing electoral malpractices and upholding the sanctity of the democratic process. By publishing the list, the EC ensures that the process is transparent and provides a rightful opportunity for every genuine voter to secure their franchise.
The final electoral roll for West Bengal will be published on January 22, 2025, taking into account all the claims, objections, and corrections processed during this revision period. The current activity underscores the EC's continuous efforts to refine the voter database ahead of future elections.
