US Edition
Voting begins in India’s West Bengal state after a national voter list purge
Officials say about 9 million names, or 12% of the electorate, were removed as the Election Commission seeks to clear duplicate and ineligible voters.
- On Thursday, voting began in West Bengal following a sweeping Election Commission revision that removed about 9 million names from electoral rolls, roughly 12% of the electorate.
- The Election Commission stated the exercise removed duplicate, deceased, and ineligible voters; however, opposition leaders allege the deletions disproportionately target Muslims and other marginalized communities.
- Taibunessa Begum, a 62-year-old retired school administrator, found her name deleted despite holding valid identification. Paramilitary officer Sheikh Najrul Islam reported his name vanished from voter lists despite valid documents.
- Derek Brien of the opposition Trinamool Congress called the exercise "invisible rigging," stating "The motive is to disenfranchise voters." The Bharatiya Janata Party argued the revision was routine administrative work.
- Analysts warn the deletions could fuel fears of long-term consequences as the election tests Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party reach in opposition strongholds with national implications.
16 Articles
16 Articles
The first round of the legislative elections, held yesterday, was marked by the controversy over the revision of the electoral lists, a process that excluded millions of citizens, mostly Muslims, but not only. While the central and state government have accused each other, to be more penalized by the affair are the people belonging to the vulnerable groups.
Associated Press News
Voting begins in India's West Bengal state after a national voter list purge
Voting in one of India’s most closely watched state elections has begun after a national voter roll revision removed millions of names and raised concerns over disenfranchisement.
West Bengal Election 2026: How To Find Name in Voter List and Download Booth Slip | 🗳️ LatestLY
The West Bengal 2026 Assembly Elections began today, April 23, with 3.6 crore voters eligible in Phase 1. Citizens can verify their names and download booth slips via voters.eci.gov.in. If listed on the electoral roll, voters without a physical Voter ID can use alternatives like Aadhaar or PAN to cast their vote.. Phase 2 follows on April 29, with results on May 4. 🗳️ West Bengal Election 2026: How To Find Name in Voter List and Download Booth …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
