Kolkata, India – In a significant development ahead of the upcoming elections, the Calcutta High Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide a detailed response on requests to extend the deadline for revising voter lists in West Bengal. The court’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over the accuracy and completeness of electoral rolls in the state.
The petition, filed by concerned citizens and political representatives, highlights potential discrepancies in the voter lists that could disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters. Lawyers argued that the current timeline does not allow sufficient time for thorough verification, especially in rural and remote areas where documentation issues are rampant. ‘Many genuine voters are at risk of being excluded due to bureaucratic delays,’ one petitioner stated outside the court.
The ECI had earlier set a firm deadline for the special intensive revision of voter lists, emphasizing the need to maintain electoral integrity. However, opposition parties and civil society groups claim the process has been rushed, leading to errors in inclusion and exclusion. Reports from districts like Murshidabad and Malda indicate hundreds of names missing or duplicated, sparking protests and legal challenges.
The High Court bench, comprising Justices [Redacted], observed that while the ECI’s autonomy is paramount, public trust in the electoral process cannot be compromised. The commission has been asked to file its affidavit by next week, detailing the rationale behind the deadline and any plans for corrective measures. This includes data on deletions, additions, and verification drives conducted so far.
Political analysts view this as a crucial test for the ECI’s preparedness. With West Bengal’s volatile political landscape, any perceived lapses could fuel allegations of bias. The state BJP has already accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of manipulating lists, while TMC counters that the opposition is stalling reforms.
As the deadline looms, election officials are working overtime, deploying BLOs (Booth Level Officers) for door-to-door checks. Yet, challenges persist: outdated Aadhaar linkages, migrant voter issues, and allegations of partisan deletions. The coming days will be pivotal in ensuring a fair poll.
The High Court’s directive underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democracy. Whatever the ECI’s response, it must address stakeholder concerns transparently to uphold the sanctity of votes in West Bengal.