The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday published the final electoral roll for West Bengal after completing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. However, a striking detail buried within the data has triggered political debate—in 99 out of the state’s 294 Assembly constituencies, not a single new voter was added between the release of the draft roll on December 16, 2025, and the final roll on February 28, 2026.
During this two-and-a-half-month period, zero applications were reportedly received through Form 6—the prescribed form for new voter registration—in these constituencies.
The development has surprised political observers, particularly because several of the constituencies reporting zero new voters are geographically adjacent.
In Nadia district alone, 14 Assembly segments—Karimpur, Tehatta, Palashipara, Kaliganj, Nakashipara, Ranaghat North-West, Shantipur, Krishnaganj, Ranaghat North-East, Ranaghat South, Chakdah, Kalyani, Haringhata, and Baduria—recorded no fresh additions to the voter list.
In Bhowanipore Assembly constituency, the seat represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the draft roll had 1,61,525 voters in December. The final list shows only 18 new voters added, while 2,342 names were deleted. The total electorate now stands at 1,59,20.
By contrast, Nandigram Assembly constituency — represented by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari — saw 1,167 new voters added. Though 397 names were removed, the total electorate increased from 2,67,608 in the draft roll to 2,68,378 in the final list.
The sharp variation between constituencies has fuelled curiosity, particularly in politically sensitive seats.
In a state with approximately 7.5 crore registered voters, the absence of new applications in 99 constituencies has raised concerns. A senior official of the Commission, expressing frustration, said repeated awareness efforts had been undertaken.
“We apply so many times. Even then, if no one fills up Form 6, what can the Commission do?” the official remarked.
What does Political analysts have to say?
Political analysts say the situation warrants closer examination. Some suggest inadequate publicity about the revision drive may have contributed to the low registration numbers. Others point to possible voter apathy or procedural challenges in submitting applications.
With Assembly elections on the horizon, the figures are likely to remain under scrutiny as parties assess their electoral strategies and voter outreach efforts. Whether the anomaly reflects administrative gaps, lack of awareness, or deeper political dynamics remains to be seen.
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