CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: KOLKATA: The right to vote of thousands of people whose names were removed from West Bengal’s electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) remains uncertain ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Kolkata and Howrah. With civic polls expected in November, concerns are mounting over whether eligible voters whose appeals are still pending will be able to participate in the electoral process.
According to a report published by The Hindu on October 26, opposition parties and civil society representatives have urged the West Bengal State Election Commission to consider holding the municipal elections after the completion of the voter re-enrolment drive and the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls. They argue that postponing the polls would provide an opportunity for eligible voters whose names were deleted to seek inclusion before voting takes place.
A memorandum submitted to State Election Commissioner Krishna Gupta on October 26 called for pending appeals before the SIR appellate tribunals to be considered. The delegation included representatives from the Congress, Trinamool Congress and other organisations. The Commission reportedly agreed to meet representatives on October 28 to discuss the matter.
Nearly 60 lakh names were removed during the enumeration phase under categories including absent, shifted, duplicate and deceased voters. Meanwhile, more than 37 lakh appeals remain pending before tribunals, including approximately 1.6 lakh cases relating to Kolkata and Howrah.
The Election Commission has initiated steps to facilitate voter re-enrolment, with the final SSR list scheduled for publication on January 4, 2027. The State Election Commission’s decision on electoral rolls and election timing will be crucial in determining how affected voters can exercise their democratic rights.
Hashtags: #WestBengalState #Bhopal #Deleted #Voters #Fate #Uncertain #Ahead #Kolkata #Civic #DeletedVotersFateUncertain
