Kolkata, Nov 27, 2025 – The Election Commission of India (EC) has flagged a significant discrepancy in West Bengal’s ongoing electoral roll revision exercise, reporting that nearly 26 lakh voters’ names in the current rolls could not be matched with the voter list prepared in 2002. The revelation comes amid the ongoing Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which aims to ensure accuracy and inclusivity in voter registration.

According to EC sources, more than 6 crore enumeration forms in West Bengal had been digitised by Wednesday afternoon as part of the SIR process. These forms, collected across the state, are being mapped against previous voter lists, particularly those prepared between 2002 and 2006 during the earlier SIR exercises.

“Once digitised, these forms are brought under the mapping procedure, where they are matched against the previous SIR records. Initial findings show that the names of around 26 lakh voters in the state cannot yet be reconciled with the data from the last SIR cycle,” an EC official told PTI.

The mapping exercise involves a meticulous cross-verification of the latest electoral rolls with historical SIR data, and this year, the process has also incorporated voter lists from other states to enhance accuracy and ensure comprehensive verification. The EC clarified, however, that a mismatch at this stage does not automatically imply removal from the electoral rolls, emphasizing that all discrepancies would be carefully examined before finalising the voter list.

The official further noted that the figure of 26 lakh mismatched names could rise as digitisation and mapping continue, indicating the scale of the task involved in updating the voter rolls of a state as populous as West Bengal.

Electoral experts say that such discrepancies are common during SIR exercises, especially in states with high mobility, migration, or long-term urbanisation trends, and that the EC has multiple mechanisms, including public hearings and verification camps, to resolve mismatches before finalising the rolls.

The SIR process, now underway across West Bengal, includes draft publication of voter lists, acceptance of claims and objections, and dedicated verification hearings before the final roll is released. This year, the EC has placed special focus on ensuring accuracy and inclusivity, particularly for voters whose documentation might be incomplete or difficult to trace, such as residents who were not listed in the 2002 rolls or those who have moved across states.

The findings have drawn attention in the electoral and political circles, as West Bengal continues to maintain a highly engaged voter base and upcoming elections will rely on accurate and up-to-date electoral rolls. Officials stress that the ongoing mapping exercise is part of a routine but essential process to strengthen the integrity of the electoral system.

The EC has reassured citizens that mismatches identified at this stage will be addressed through verification and rectification, ensuring that all eligible voters retain their right to vote once the final rolls are published.