Kolkata: The Election Commission on Tuesday published the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal after completing the politically contentious month-long Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, marking a crucial stage in the state’s voter roll revision process.

According to a PTI report, the draft rolls include a separate list of names proposed for exclusion, a move that is expected to intensify political and public scrutiny. With the publication, the updated electoral rolls are now available both online and offline, enabling voters to verify their details and flag discrepancies within the stipulated period.

Ahead of the official release, booth-level officers (BLOs) across West Bengal were given access to the draft electoral rolls to facilitate ground-level verification and assist electors. The SIR exercise involved re-verification of voter data to identify deceased, shifted, duplicate, and otherwise ineligible voters, the Election Commission has said.

The publication of the draft rolls formally opens the window for claims and objections before the final voter list is notified. However, the inclusion of a proposed exclusion list has raised concerns among opposition parties, which have alleged the possibility of large-scale disenfranchisement—charges the poll panel has consistently denied.

The Election Commission has maintained that the exercise was conducted strictly in accordance with established norms to ensure clean and accurate electoral rolls.

How to Check Your Name in the Voter List

Election officials said citizens can now verify their voter status using both mobile applications and official websites.

How to Check on App:

Voters with access to a smartphone can check their details through the ECINET mobile application, available for download on the Google Play Store.

After installing the app, users need to click on the “Search Your Name in Voter List” option. The search can be carried out using either the Voter ID number or EPIC number, following which the voter’s details will be displayed if the name appears in the electoral roll.

How to Check on Website:

In addition, the list of deleted or excluded names has been uploaded on the official website of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal. Citizens can log on to ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/asd_sir to view and download the list. The portal allows users to check whether their own names, or those of family members, relatives, or neighbours, have been removed from the draft voter list.

Election authorities have advised voters to carefully review the draft electoral rolls and take necessary steps within the prescribed timeframe in case of discrepancies. Further instructions regarding the filing of claims and objections are expected to be announced by the Election Commission.