Kolkata is racing against time as the deadline for resolving claims and objections on the draft voter list in West Bengal looms just three days away. With February 7 marking the cutoff, election officials face the massive task of completing hearings for nearly 1.5 million voters.
The final voter list is slated for release on February 14, setting the stage for the state’s crucial assembly elections. Daily trends in hearing progress have bolstered the Election Commission of India’s confidence that the target is achievable. Over 6,500 hearing centers are operational across the state, each tasked with wrapping up cases in the coming days—a feat officials describe as entirely manageable.
This timeline ensures all hearings conclude before the Supreme Court’s next session on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on February 9. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to present her stance before a three-judge bench, building on her recent submissions.
The SIR process kicked off on December 27 last year, starting slow but gaining momentum with more staff and additional centers. Post the final list publication, the full ECI bench will review the situation in West Bengal, promptly announcing poll dates thereafter.
The Chief Electoral Officer’s office has recommended conducting elections in just two phases, unlike the previous seven or eight, potentially wrapping up by late April and forming a new cabinet by early May. This streamlined approach aims to expedite the democratic process in the politically charged state.