The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, is currently in the spotlight due to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026. With the crucial West Bengal Assembly Elections approaching (expected in early 2026), the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ramped up efforts to clean up the electoral rolls.
This week, the CEO of West Bengal, Dr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal, issued strict directives to district administrations following orders from the Supreme Court and the ECI. If you are a voter in West Bengal, here is everything you need to know about the current status of the voter list, the “unmapped” voters controversy, and how to check your name.
What is Happening Right Now? (January 2026 Updates)
The revision of the voter list in West Bengal is not a routine annual update; it is a Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This happens rarely and involves a deep-clean of the rolls to remove duplicate, dead, or shifted voters.
1. The “Unmapped” & “Discrepancy” List
A major controversy has erupted over notices sent to thousands of voters. The ECI identified two specific categories of voters who need re-verification:
- Unmapped Voters: Those whose records could not be traced back or linked to the legacy electoral rolls (e.g., the 2002 roll).
- Logical Discrepancies: Cases where a single elector is linked to an unusually high number of “children” or family members in the database.
Latest Update (Jan 24, 2026): Following a Supreme Court directive, the ECI has ordered the CEO to display the lists of these specific voters at Gram Panchayat Bhawans and local ward offices. If your name is on this list, you must attend a hearing to verify your citizenship and residency documents.
Read more: Guwahati News Today
2. Strict FIR Directive
To ensure the verification process goes smoothly, the CEO’s office has directed all District Magistrates and SPs to file an immediate FIR if anyone tries to create disturbances, vandalism, or threatens officials at the hearing centers. This comes after reports of tension in certain districts regarding the deletion of names.
Why is SIR 2026 So Important?
This revision is the foundation for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Election 2026.
- 58 Lakh Names Deleted: In the draft roll published earlier, nearly 58 lakh names were deleted. The ECI states these were dead, shifted, or duplicate entries.
- The Goal: The Commission aims to produce an error-free “Final Electoral Roll” by February 14, 2026. This list will determine who is eligible to vote in the upcoming state elections.
Important Dates for Voters
- Claims & Objections Window: Ended on January 19, 2026.
- Hearings for “Unmapped” Voters: Ongoing now (Check your local Panchayat/Ward office).
- Final Electoral Roll Publication: February 14, 2026.
How to Check Your Name in the Voter List
Even if you have a Voter ID card (EPIC), it is mandatory to check if your name exists in the current 2026 Draft Roll.
Method 1: Online via CEO Website
- Visit the official website:
ceowestbengal.nic.inor the ECI portalvoters.eci.gov.in. - Click on “Search in Electoral Roll”.
- Enter your EPIC Number (Voter ID No.) and State (West Bengal).
- If your details appear, your name is safe. If it says “No Record Found,” contact your Booth Level Officer (BLO) immediately.
Method 2: Offline Verification
- Go to your local polling station or the office of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
- Look for the displayed draft list.
- If you have received a notice regarding “SIR Verification,” you must attend the hearing with valid documents (Aadhaar, Land Deed, or Legacy Documents like 1971/2002 voter lists).
Documents Required for Verification (If Called)
If you have received a notice under the SIR process, carry original copies of:
- Digital Ration Card.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Land or Property Deeds (to prove residency).
- Birth Certificate or School Admit Card (Madhyamik Admit Card is accepted for DOB).
- Old Voter ID cards of parents (Legacy Data).
What Happens Next?
The hearings will conclude by the first week of February. On February 14, 2026, the Final Electoral Roll will be published. This will be the definitive list used for the 2026 Assembly Polls. If your name is missing from the final list, you will have to file Form 6 immediately to get it re-added before the election notification is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the current Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal?
The current CEO of West Bengal is Dr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal (IAS).
2. What is the SIR 2026 process in West Bengal?
SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision. It is a rigorous process to verify every voter’s eligibility, remove fake/duplicate entries, and update the voter list ahead of the 2026 Assembly Elections.
3. My name was deleted from the voter list. What should I do?
If your name was deleted, you should have filed Form 6 (for new inclusion) by Jan 19. If you missed the deadline, wait for the Final Roll publication on Feb 14, 2026, and then apply again online via voters.eci.gov.in.
4. When will the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 be held?
While the official schedule is not out, the election is expected to be held between March and May 2026, as the current assembly term ends in May.
5. How can I find my Booth Level Officer (BLO)?
Visit the voters.eci.gov.in portal, enter your EPIC number, and your BLO’s name and mobile number will be displayed in the “Officer Details” section.