FORMER BENGAL POLL CHIEFS WARN OF SIR RISKS, RAISE CONCERNS OVER VOTER-ROLL REVISION

October 7, 2026

KOLKATA — Two former chief electoral officers of West Bengal, Debashis Sen and Basudeb Banerjee, have raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, warning that the exercise could create difficulties for voters if not implemented with adequate safeguards.

The former election officials have highlighted the importance of ensuring that genuine voters are not inadvertently excluded during the verification and revision process. Their concerns come at a time when the electoral-roll exercise has become a major political issue in Bengal.

The Special Intensive Revision involves extensive verification of electoral records and identification of eligible voters. While such exercises are intended to improve the accuracy of voter lists, the former officials have stressed the need for careful procedures, clear communication and adequate opportunities for citizens to establish their eligibility.

The issue has assumed particular importance in West Bengal because of the state's large electorate and politically sensitive environment. Political parties have sharply disagreed over the potential consequences of the revision, with concerns ranging from wrongful exclusion to the need for eliminating duplicate or ineligible entries.

The observations of the former chief electoral officers have added weight to the wider public debate over the exercise. Their comments underline the need for a balance between maintaining accurate electoral rolls and ensuring that legitimate voters are not denied their constitutional right to participate in elections.

With the revision process continuing, questions over its implementation, safeguards and impact on voters are expected to remain at the centre of Bengal's political discourse.