Election Commission Refutes "False" Claims of Mass Voter Deletion in West Bengal: Supreme Court Submission

New Delhi: The Election Commission has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court stating that claims of "large-scale voter deletion" in West Bengal are "false" and "fabricated," designed to serve vested political interests. According to the poll body, these allegations are being circulated as a "narrative" in media channels to achieve political advantage.

In response to a petition filed by Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue, the Commission asserted that voter list revision is a constitutional, regular, and necessary procedure.

The state's governing Trinamool Congress and other Opposition parties argue that SIR is merely a strategy to disenfranchise their supporters and secure a victory for the BJP. Since the nationwide implementation of SIR on November 4, allegations have emerged about extensive voter name removals from electoral lists.

The Election Commission reported that 99.77 percent of voters have received forms, with 70.14 percent already completed and returned.

The Commission explained that name additions and deletions have become routine due to rapid urbanization and significant migration patterns. Creating clean and accurate electoral rolls remains a constitutional obligation, as recognized by the Supreme Court in the TN Seshan case of 1995.

Article 324 of the Constitution, along with Sections 15, 21, and 23 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, grants the Election Commission authority to conduct special revisions when deemed necessary.

The Commission emphasized that no voter's name can be removed without following proper legal procedures. Since the 1950s, similar special revisions have been conducted nationwide—occurring in 1962-66, 1983-87, 1992, 1993, 2002, and 2004.

Complaints from political parties throughout the country also contributed to this comprehensive revision. The SIR guidelines incorporate sufficient safeguards to ensure an "inclusive" process.

Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi will hear the petitions challenging West Bengal's SIR on December 9.

Under SIR protocol, election officials conduct door-to-door visits to distribute and collect forms. If residents are absent, officials must issue three notices.

Citizens residing away from home can submit forms through family members or complete them online via the ECI portal or mobile application.

Senior Commission officials have been instructed to ensure elderly, disabled, and vulnerable voters receive necessary assistance and face no inconveniences during the process.