West Bengal's Voter Count Surpasses 7 Crore After Intensive Electoral Roll Revision
West Bengal now boasts a substantial electorate of over 7.04 crore voters, as confirmed by Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Saturday. This updated figure follows the completion of a comprehensive Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state's electoral rolls, marking a significant milestone in the region's democratic framework.
Major Changes in Voter Registration
During the extensive revision process, which spanned several months, more than 5.46 lakh names were officially deleted from the electoral lists using Form-7. This removal primarily targeted individuals who were deceased, had relocated, or were identified as duplicate entries, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the voter database.
Concurrently, over 1.82 lakh new voters were added to the rolls through Form-6 and Form-6A, reflecting efforts to include eligible citizens who had previously been unregistered. These additions contribute to a more inclusive and representative electoral system in the state.
Challenges and Ongoing Adjudication
Agarwal highlighted that over 58 lakh enumeration forms were not received during the revision, complicating the verification process. These cases involved electors who could not be accounted for due to various reasons, including deaths, relocations, and duplications, underscoring the logistical hurdles in maintaining up-to-date voter records.
Furthermore, more than 60 lakh electors remain in the "under adjudication" category, indicating that their status is still being reviewed. Despite this, they have been provisionally included in the updated rolls to prevent disenfranchisement while final determinations are made.
Background of the Special Intensive Revision
The SIR process, initiated on November 4 last year, represents the first statewide revision of electoral rolls since 2002. It began with the distribution of enumeration forms to households across West Bengal, aiming to capture a complete and accurate snapshot of the electorate.
The Election Commission dedicated 116 days to provisionally complete this exercise, resulting in what officials describe as a "final but dynamic" list. This designation acknowledges that while the rolls are now published, adjudication in numerous cases continues, allowing for future updates as needed.
This revision underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance electoral transparency and participation in West Bengal, setting a precedent for future updates and ensuring that voter lists reflect the current population accurately.
