Mon Dec 01 21:24:00 UTC 2025: News Article Summary:
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has alleged significant irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. He is demanding an audit of 1.25 crore entries made between November 26th and 28th, citing a statistically impossible surge in digitisation figures. Adhikari claims that officials of the West Bengal government, along with I-PAC, have been illegally performing digitisation tasks instead of Block Level Officers (BLOs). The BJP delegation also raised concerns about the failure to delete deceased voters, leading to an inflated voter roll, and the continued functioning of irregularly appointed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). These claims were made in a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). Protests erupted outside the CEO’s office, with Trinamool Congress-supporting BLOs demonstrating against Adhikari and BJP supporters gathering in response. The BJP has also criticised the Election Commission of India and the Kolkata Police’s decision to allow the protests.
Rewritten News Article:
West Bengal Opposition Demands Audit Amid Voter Roll Irregularity Claims
Kolkata, December 2, 2025 – Allegations of voter roll irregularities have ignited a political firestorm in West Bengal, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari demanding an immediate audit of millions of entries made during the state’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Adhikari, leading a delegation of BJP MLAs, met with West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Monday, December 1st, to voice concerns over a surge of 1.25 crore entries added to the voter rolls between November 26th and 28th. He claims the increase is “statistically impossible” and alleges that the work was carried out illegally by officials linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and I-PAC, a political consultancy group, instead of designated Block Level Officers (BLOs).
“We demand a thorough examination of these entries by special observers and the ECI’s technical team using all available technology,” Adhikari stated.
Beyond the digitisation concerns, the BJP delegation also raised issues about the failure to systematically remove deceased voters from the rolls, leading to an “inflated and inaccurate” voter list. They further criticised the continued operation of irregularly appointed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), claiming it compromises the integrity of the verification process.
The accusations have triggered protests outside the CEO’s office in Kolkata. Demonstrations organized by the ‘BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee’, largely comprised of Trinamool Congress supporters, voiced opposition to Adhikari’s claims, chanting slogans demanding he leave. BJP supporters gathered in response, creating a tense atmosphere.
The BJP has also criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Kolkata Police for allowing the protests to take place outside the CEO’s office. The total number of electors in West Bengal currently stands at 7.66 crore, with nearly all enrollment forms distributed and a high percentage digitised. However, the ongoing controversy threatens to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The Election Commission of India has yet to officially respond to the allegations. This situation could have serious implications for future elections in West Bengal, potentially leading to legal challenges and demands for electoral reform. The Hindu have contacted the ECI for comment.
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