Kolkata: Large scale deletions from electoral rolls in West Bengal have raised concern, with data showing high removals in Muslim and Matua dominated regions following adjudication.
Election Commission figures indicate that around 27 lakh names were removed across the state. The total voter count now stands at 6.7 crore. Murshidabad district recorded some of the highest deletions. In Shamsherganj, 74,775 out of 1,08,400 names under review were removed. In Lalgola, 55,420 out of 99,082 names did not make the final rolls.
Other districts with notable deletions include Malda, North Dinajpur, South 24 Parganas, and Birbhum. Matua dominated areas in North 24 Parganas and Nadia also reported high exclusion levels. In several constituencies such as Krishnanagar segments and Bongaon, deletions ranged from 67 percent to over 90 percent.
In contrast, tribal regions like Purulia and Jhargram saw minimal changes. In Manbazar, only 71 out of 2,771 names were removed. Onda reported about 1 percent deletion.
The issue has triggered protests. In Malda’s Mothabari, demonstrations against bulk deletions turned violent on April 1. Protesters blocked roads and clashed with security personnel. More than 37,000 names out of 79,683 were removed in the area.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns about targeted exclusions. Community representatives have also expressed anxiety over the impact. Political parties have offered legal assistance to affected voters.
Electoral rolls for constituencies voting in both phases have now been sealed, preventing further changes before polling.
