Kolkata: The Election Commission has processed close to 49.63 lakh voter records as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, officials said on Thursday as the exercise entered an advanced stage.
According to officials associated with the process, the seventh supplementary list was released on Wednesday night as part of the continuing verification exercise. However, detailed data on how many names were added or removed in this phase has not yet been made public.
Election authorities indicated that a major portion of the verification work has already been completed and the remaining scrutiny is expected to be finished in phases as the election schedule approaches.
The revision process has drawn attention because it is taking place ahead of the Assembly elections and involves verification of voter eligibility, correction of records and removal of duplicate or ineligible entries as per procedure.
Officials said such revision exercises are normally conducted before major elections to ensure electoral rolls remain updated and accurate.
The latest update also comes at a time when the process has attracted legal attention. The Supreme Court heard petitions related to the SIR exercise on the same day the supplementary list was released. The details of the proceedings are part of the ongoing legal process.
Election officials have maintained that the revision follows established guidelines and is being carried out through field verification and document checks where required.
Political parties in the state have been closely monitoring the process, as electoral roll accuracy often becomes a key issue during election periods. Parties typically raise objections or file claims if discrepancies are noticed in voter lists.
Officials said the revision process also allows individuals whose names are missing or marked for correction to file claims through the prescribed mechanism. After verification, necessary corrections can be made as per election rules.
The Commission has also been holding meetings with district election officials to monitor progress and ensure timelines are maintained.
Administrative sources said the revision process involves multiple stages including draft publication, claims and objections, field verification and final publication of updated rolls.
Observers say such exercises often generate discussion because voter lists directly affect electoral participation, but they are part of the regular election management process carried out across states.
With polling approaching, the focus is now expected to shift towards completion of the revision process and final publication of updated voter lists.
