The hearing process of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in West Bengal concluded on February 14, but around 6.25 lakh people did not appear despite receiving notices, according to sources in the Election Commission.
Officials said the large number of absentees were among those summoned over “logical discrepancies” in their records. North Kolkata reported the highest number of non-appearances, where the verification process was said to be more complex due to the high density of voters.
Sources indicated that a preliminary estimate suggests that out of the 6.25 lakh absentees, around 1.4 lakh could be “illegal voters.” The figure, however, is not final and may vary after further scrutiny. Even so, officials acknowledged that the numbers are significant, and those who failed to appear risk having their names removed from the voter list.
According to the Commission, many voters were called for hearings because of inconsistencies in the draft list, missing documents, or identity-related issues. These problems could have been resolved if the individuals had appeared on the specified dates and submitted the required papers. However, as a large number did not attend even by the final day, uncertainty now surrounds their voter status.
The Commission has clarified that those whose names are eventually removed will receive formal notices stating the reasons. They will also be given an opportunity to reapply if needed.
Despite these assurances, officials admit that the high number of absentees has increased administrative pressure ahead of the elections. The figures have also triggered political speculation, particularly over the unusually high absence rate in North Kolkata.
Earlier, after the enumeration phase of the SIR, nearly 58 lakh names had already been left out of the draft voter list.
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