In West Bengal, during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, massive irregularities have been detected in the 2002 voter list during progeny-mapping or identification of new voters based on the names of parents or relatives. Although the first phase of the SIR has ended, the Election Commission continues to cross-check and repeatedly scrutinize the submitted forms. During this process, information about these “logical discrepancies” has come to light, according to data released by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of the state.

 

It has been found that the names of fathers of 85 lakhs 1thousand and 486 voters are incorrect or mismatched, which accounts for 11.09% of the total voters. For 24lakhs 21thousand 133 voters, the number of children recorded is more than six. Major inconsistencies have also been observed in the age differences between parents and children. In 11 lakh 95 thousand 230 cases, the age gap between father and mother is less than 15 years, while in 8 lakhs 77 thousand 736 cases, the difference is more than 50 years-both of which are unrealistic.

 

Additionally, in 3 lakhs 29thousand 152 cases, the age gap between grandparents and voters is less than 40 years, creating confusion about family relationships. 20 lakhs 74 thousand 256 voters have been marked as “new voters” despite being over 45 years old. Gender-related data also shows discrepancies: for 13 lakhs 46 thousand 918 voters, gender information is incorrect, leading to confusion about voter identity.

 

Although these voter applications have been digitized, sources in the Commission have stated that such voters will be called for hearings. This database has now been handed over to every district election officer and block-level staff in the state, so that verification and corrections can be completed quickly. During the Claims & Objections phase, ordinary voters will also have the opportunity to make corrections.