KOLKATA: Over 27 lakh names have been removed from West Bengal’s electoral rolls following post-SIR judicial adjudication, with the highest deletions reported from Muslim-dominated areas of Murshidabad district, according to Election Commission data released on Thursday.
Shamsherganj and Lalgola constituencies recorded the largest number of deletions. In Shamsherganj, 74,775 out of 1,08,400 names under adjudication were struck off, while Lalgola saw 55,420 deletions out of 99,082. These figures form a significant share of the total purge reflected in the supplementary rolls. The state’s voter count now stands at approximately 6.7 crore.
Beyond Murshidabad, substantial deletions were reported in Malda, North Dinajpur, South 24 Parganas, and Birbhum. Matua-dominated regions in North 24 Parganas and Nadia also witnessed notable voter removals. In contrast, the tribal belt of Purulia–Jhargram recorded the lowest number of deletions.
Electoral rolls for 142 constituencies going to polls in the second phase on April 29 were frozen on Thursday, following the sealing of rolls for 152 constituencies in the first phase on April 6. No further changes will be allowed until the elections conclude.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Bengal government’s plea for a review on April 13, offering a limited window of relief for those removed from the rolls.
The scale of deletions in Shamsherganj is particularly significant amid recent tensions in the region, including protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act and clashes during Ram Navami processions. In neighbouring Malda’s Mothabari, over 37,000 of 79,683 names under adjudication were deleted. Protests against these removals turned violent on April 1, with road blockades, clashes with security forces, and the gherao of judicial officials.
In several constituencies—including Krishnanagar North and South, Ranaghat North West, North East, and South—over 90% of those under adjudication were excluded. In Bongaon’s six assembly segments, deletions ranged from 67% to 88%.
Since the data was released earlier this week, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged “targeted exclusions.” Sukesh Chowdhury of the All India Matua Mahasangha said the removals have caused anxiety within the community, though the state’s assurance of legal support has offered some reassurance.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Bikash Ghosh said affected voters would be assisted in approaching tribunals to restore their names.
Two key constituencies—Bhowanipore in Kolkata and Nandigram in East Midnapore—reported deletion rates below the state average.
