Kolkata:A significant discrepancy has been identified in West Bengal's electoral rolls, with the names of nearly 26 lakh voters not matching the 2002 voter list. The Election Commission (EC) revealed this issue after comparing the current voter list with records prepared across various states during the 2002-2006 Special Revision of Rolls (SIR) exercise.
The discrepancy was uncovered as part of the ongoing SIR process, which involves reviewing and updating voter details. According to EC officials, more than six crore enumeration forms from West Bengal had been digitised by Wednesday afternoon as part of the exercise. The official spokesperson for the Election Commission confirmed that the irregularities were found when the current list was cross-referenced with older records from the early 2000s. "We are currently looking into the causes of this mismatch and will ensure that the necessary corrections are made," the EC spokesperson stated.
The discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll, especially as the state prepares for upcoming elections. Electoral rolls are vital for maintaining transparency and fairness during elections, and the commission's review process is aimed at addressing these issues before any future voting events take place. West Bengal has seen frequent updates and revisions to its electoral list, with the last major revision conducted during the 2020-2021 period. However, the identification of such a significant number of discrepancies has prompted the EC to expedite its verification process.
The Election Commission has assured the public that the issues will be rectified promptly. "We are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter is correctly listed," the official added.
