India Deletes 9.1 Million Names from West Bengal Voter Rolls Ahead of Assembly Elections

The large-scale deletion followed a door-to-door verification drive launched in November 2025, which reduced the state’s electoral list from 7.66 crore to 6.75 crore. The exercise, described by authorities as a routine administrative measure, has become a flashpoint between the ruling establishment and opposition parties.

Opposition parties, including Congress and TMC, have alleged that the deletions disproportionately target minorities. They claim that the highest number of removals occurred in Muslim-majority districts such as Murshidabad, with analyses indicating that over 90% of disputed cases involve Muslim names. The allegations have intensified political tensions ahead of the crucial elections.

The Election Commission of India has rejected these claims, maintaining that the process was an essential cleanup of duplicate entries and names of voters who had shifted residence. The Commission further asserted that similar verification drives have been conducted in other states, emphasizing consistency in electoral roll management.

The issue has also drawn the attention of the Supreme Court, which has urged due process in handling the deletions. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with appeals being heard in tribunals as affected individuals seek reinstatement in the voter lists.

As West Bengal moves closer to polling dates, the controversy surrounding the deletion of 9.1 million voter names underscores deep concerns over electoral integrity, administrative transparency, and the broader implications for democratic participation.