West Bengal among 17 states and UTs set for voter-roll revision

West Bengal is among 17 states and Union territories where the Election Commission ordered a Special Summary Revision of voter lists on Thursday, October 15. The exercise will use January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date for enrolment.

The revision is intended to add eligible citizens, address errors and update existing entries. It will give voters an opportunity to seek corrections and raise objections before the final lists are issued.

Under the announced timetable, work on rationalising polling stations is to be completed by November 2. Draft electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on November 12.

The period for submitting claims and objections will run from November 12 to December 11. Authorities are to decide those applications by December 28, with the final rolls scheduled for January 4, 2027.

For West Bengal electors, the publication of the draft will mark the start of the formal application window. Eligible people whose names are missing can seek inclusion, while existing voters can apply to correct inaccurate personal details.

The exercise also covers Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa, where Assembly elections are due in 2027. Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu are among the other states included.

The commission has emphasised enrolment of young people and first-time voters. Applications relating to additions, deletions and corrections will be examined before the updated lists are finalised.

The summary revision comes amid opposition protests over the separate Special Intensive Revision, particularly concerns about names being removed. The summary exercise focuses on updating electoral lists and providing a formal opportunity for claims and objections.

Schedules for the states and Union territories covered by the third phase of the intensive revision will be announced separately. Separate announcements are also due for Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.