Approximately 45,000 voters have been found to be missing from the draft voter list in the Bhavani Pur assembly constituency. The TMC has launched a "May I Help You" campaign to assist with verifying names and filing objections door-to-door.
West Bengal: The second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal released the draft voter list on Tuesday. Approximately 58 lakh names have been removed from the list across the state. These names were removed because individuals were found to be deceased, had moved to another location, had been long-term absentees, or were registered multiple times in different locations.
The process drew significant attention when approximately 45,000 voters were found to be missing from the draft voter list in Bhavani Pur, the assembly constituency of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) expressed serious concern and stated that the party would re-examine the matter.
TMC’s Stance and Action
Following the large-scale deletion of names in Bhavani Pur, the TMC clarified that it would closely monitor the changes made to the voter list. The party decided that its Booth Level Agents (BLOs) would conduct door-to-door checks to re-verify the names of voters removed from the draft voter list.
The TMC stated that it would soon initiate the claims and objections process. The party has instructed its local leaders to stand with affected voters and assist them with submitting documents, filling out forms, and navigating the hearing process. For this purpose, the party has launched a campaign called "May I Help You." Through this campaign, volunteers will provide assistance to voters door-to-door as needed.
Where the Most Names Were Removed
The Bhavani Pur assembly constituency comprises wards 63, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 77, and 82 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. According to TMC sources, the most names were removed from wards 70, 72, and 77. The party has specifically instructed close attention be paid to ward 77, which has a significant minority population.
Information indicates that as of January 2025, Bhavani Pur had a total of 2,06,295 voters. However, the latest draft voter list now registers only 1,61,509 names. This means that a total of 44,787 voters have been removed, representing approximately 21.7% of the total electorate. This figure has become a matter of concern for the assembly constituency.
The Process of Updating the Voter List
The objective of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is to update the voter list by removing names of deceased, relocated, or duplicate voters. This process is considered essential to ensure the transparency and fairness of elections.
Under this phase, draft voter lists were issued in all assembly constituencies of the state, and citizens were given the opportunity to check their information and file objections. This process is crucial for protecting the voting rights of citizens.
TMC’s Preparations
The TMC has instructed its leaders and workers to immediately contact affected voters. The party has taken responsibility for conducting door-to-door checks, filling out forms, and verifying documents.
Through the "May I Help You" campaign, the party will ensure that no voter’s name is mistakenly removed. Volunteers and local leaders have been instructed to play an active role door-to-door to achieve this.
Political Implications of Deleted Names in Bhavani Pur
Bhavani Pur is Mamata Banerjee’s assembly seat, and the large-scale deletion of voters’ names has sparked political activity. According to the TMC, the most names were removed from wards 70, 72, and 77. Special attention has been directed towards ward 77, which has a minority population.
Voters whose names have been removed from the draft voter list have the right to file objections. They will need to submit supporting documents and evidence. The TMC will ensure that every affected voter receives assistance at the right time.
The party has stated that volunteers will also assist voters door-to-door with filling out forms, preparing documents, and filing objections if necessary. This process will be crucial in making the voter list accurate before the election.
