Elderly, Disabled Struggle Through Electoral Roll Hearings in West Bengal; Draws Criticism
Vulnerable voters endure hardship in electoral revision process.
The ongoing second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has placed significant burdens on elderly, disabled, and economically vulnerable individuals. Many are compelled to undertake arduous journeys and face physical distress to attend hearings at block offices, driven by concerns over potential deletion of their names from voter lists ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Reports from across rural and urban areas depict scenes of octogenarians arriving on stretchers, persons with disabilities navigating office premises with difficulty, and daily wage workers sacrificing earnings to appear in person. These situations have transformed the administrative exercise into a matter of public concern, revealing discrepancies between procedural guidelines and on-ground execution.
Specific cases include an 87-year-old woman transported 32 kilometers for verification, a visually impaired individual summoned despite long-standing enrollment, and an 80 percent disabled man forced to crawl inside a block office due to lack of accessibility. Additional instances involve pregnant women and seriously ill seniors receiving summons despite provisions for exemptions and home visits.
Also Read: BJP Urges EC to Continue Voter Roll Revision, Rejects Mamata’s Call to Halt SIR
The revision process, initiated after the Election Commission published draft rolls on December 16 showing a reduction of over 58 lakh voters, now involves hearings for 1.67 crore electors flagged for discrepancies. Fear of disenfranchisement, fueled by stern notices and unclear communication about alternative verification options, has prompted widespread personal attendance even among those physically incapable.
Political divisions have intensified, with the ruling Trinamool Congress criticizing the exercise for risking exclusion of legitimate voters, while the Bharatiya Janata Party defends it as essential for maintaining electoral integrity. The process underscores the challenge of balancing accurate voter records with preserving public trust and accessibility in democratic participation.
Also Read: Election Chief Visits Jharkhand to Ensure Accuracy of Voter Lists
