The SIR exercise in Bengal was announced on October 27 last year, setting the stage for significant electoral changes. As the state prepares for the upcoming elections, the first supplementary list of disputed voters is expected to be published today. This comes as the final electoral roll revealed more than 60 lakh names pending in the adjudication list.
Currently, 29 lakh adjudications have been completed out of the 60 lakh cases under judicial review. The total number of voters in West Bengal stands at 7,04,59,284, according to the final electoral roll published on February 28.
In a significant move, the Election Commission has removed 73 Returning Officers (ROs) in West Bengal, a decision aimed at ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Polling is scheduled for April 23 and 29, with vote counting planned for May 4.
Manoj Agarwal, the CEO of West Bengal, stated, “Elections are being held in two phases in West Bengal after many years.” This marks a reduction from the previous seven to eight phases, reflecting a streamlined approach to the electoral process.
Agarwal further emphasized, “The Election Commission is committed to conducting free and fair elections.” This commitment is crucial as the state prepares for elections across 294 Assembly constituencies.
Before the SIR exercise, the electorate in West Bengal was recorded at 7,66,37,529, with 58,20,899 names deleted in the draft roll. The ongoing adjudication process is critical to ensuring that the electoral roll is accurate and up-to-date.
As the election dates approach, observers and officials anticipate that the completion of the adjudication process will play a vital role in the overall electoral integrity. The focus remains on ensuring that all eligible voters are accurately represented in the final electoral roll.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in the adjudication process or additional measures being implemented by the Election Commission to enhance the electoral framework.
