The political landscape in West Bengal is abuzz following the release of the draft voter list under the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. This revision has led to the deletion of a significant number of names across the state, with a particularly notable and politically sensitive impact on the Bhabanipur assembly constituency, which is represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has reacted sharply to these deletions, especially in the CM's own backyard, vowing to undertake its own comprehensive verification drive. This development sets the stage for a crucial period of electoral scrutiny and political mobilization in the state.
Details of the Statewide Voter List Revision
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a critical and routine exercise conducted by the Election Commission to update and purify the electoral rolls. The second phase of this revision culminated in the release of the draft voter list on Tuesday, revealing widespread deletions across the state, while across West Bengal, an approximate figure of 58 lakh names has been removed from the electoral rolls. These deletions are attributed to various reasons, including voters being identified as deceased, having permanently relocated. From their registered addresses, being absent from their registered addresses, or being found registered in multiple locations. This large-scale cleanup aims to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the state's voter database, thereby preventing any irregularities in the electoral process. Such a comprehensive exercise is deemed essential for maintaining electoral transparency and fairness.
Significant Deletions in Bhabanipur and Their Implications
While the statewide deletions are substantial and have implications across the region, the focus has sharply turned to Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's assembly constituency. The draft voter list reveals that nearly 45,000 voters' names have been removed from Bhabanipur. This figure represents a significant portion of the constituency's electorate, making it a politically sensitive issue. According to previous Election Commission data, Bhabanipur had a total of 2,06,295 voters as of January 2025, while the newly released draft list now records only 1,61,509 names, indicating that precisely 44,787 voters' names have been struck off. This amounts to approximately 21. 7 percent of the total voters in the constituency, a percentage that has raised serious concerns within the ruling party. Such a substantial reduction in voter numbers can Notably alter the electoral dynamics of any constituency.
Trinamool Congress Expresses Strong Displeasure
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has not taken these deletions lightly, particularly those affecting its party supremo's constituency, while the party has expressed strong displeasure over the matter and has decided to take matters into its own hands. The TMC leadership has announced that it will independently scrutinize the voter data presented by the Election Commission. This move underscores the party's commitment to ensuring that no legitimate voter is disenfranchised due to potential errors or oversight in the revision process, while the TMC believes that such a large number of deletions constitutes a serious issue that requires immediate attention, especially within the Chief Minister's own electoral stronghold.
TMC's Proactive Verification Strategy and Grassroots Efforts
In response to the widespread deletions, the Trinamool Congress has outlined a detailed and proactive action plan to address the situation. The party leadership has decided that its Booth Level Agents (BLOs) will conduct a rigorous door-to-door verification process. These agents will meticulously re-examine the names of voters who have been removed from the draft voter list. This grassroots effort aims to identify any discrepancies and ensure that genuine voters aren't left out. The party's proactive approach is designed to provide a safety net for its constituents and to challenge any potentially erroneous deletions. This strategy focuses on directly engaging with voters to understand and resolve their issues.
Wards Most Affected in Bhabanipur and Focus on Minority Population
Beyond independent verification, the TMC is also gearing up to assist affected voters through the official claim and objection process. The party has instructed its local leaders to stand firmly with the. Impacted voters and provide them with all necessary assistance during the investigation process. Plus, the TMC plans to continuously run "May I Help You" camps. These camps will serve as crucial support centers, helping people with documentation, form filling, and navigating the hearing procedures. The party has also committed to deploying volunteers for door-to-door assistance if the need. Arises, ensuring that help reaches those who might face difficulties in accessing the camps. This initiative aims to help voters overcome procedural hurdles.
The Bhabanipur assembly constituency is a diverse and urban area, comprising several wards of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Specifically, it includes wards 63, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 77, and 82, while according to sources within the Trinamool Congress, wards 70, 72, and 77 have witnessed the highest number of deletions. Special attention has been directed towards Ward 77, which is known for its significant minority population, while the party's focus on these specific wards indicates a strategic effort to understand the demographic impact of the deletions and to ensure that no particular community is disproportionately affected. The detailed breakdown of affected wards highlights the localized nature of the party's concerns and its targeted response, aiming to protect the voting rights of all communities.
Future Electoral Implications
The release of the draft voter list and the subsequent deletions, particularly in the Chief Minister's constituency of Bhabanipur, have set the stage for a significant political exercise in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress's strong response, including its independent verification drive and voter assistance programs, underscores the importance it places on electoral integrity and voter rights. As the claim and objection period commences, all eyes will be on how effectively the TMC can ensure the. Re-inclusion of legitimate voters and what implications this process will have for the upcoming electoral cycles in the state. The coming weeks will be crucial as the party mobilizes its resources to address the concerns raised by the revised voter list and ensure that no legitimate voter is disenfranchised. This entire process could Notably influence the political dynamics of the state.
