The Election Commission of India (EC) is defending its ongoing review of West Bengal’s electoral rolls against accusations of potential voter disenfranchisement, citing “logical discrepancies” that it says defy scientific possibility. The commission’s response comes in the form of an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court.
Discrepancies Identified
The EC has identified numerous anomalies in the data, including instances where electors are linked to an implausibly large number of children. Specifically, two electors are recorded as having over 200 children each, seven have over 100, ten have over 50, and another ten have over 40. The term ‘mapping’ refers to the process of linking an elector’s family lineage to the 2002 electoral roll.
The EC has stated that cases involving six or more linked children will be subject to “greater scrutiny.” Additionally, a 50-year gap between the ages of parents and children has been flagged as a discrepancy, given that fertility rates for women decline significantly after age 45.
Concerns Over Disenfranchisement
The EC is responding to claims from petitioners, including Trinamool Congress party leaders like Dola Sen, that these “logical discrepancies” are a pretext for removing eligible voters from the rolls. The commission firmly denies this, stating that identifying a discrepancy simply triggers a verification process. Electors will be notified and given an opportunity to provide documentation to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
The commission also refuted claims that the discrepancies disproportionately affect women and minority voters, or that they are the result of algorithmic errors. The EC maintains that the draft rolls, published on December 16, 2025, excluded 58 lakh voters due to absence, death, relocation, or duplicate entries – exclusions it clarifies are not “deletions,” but rather a result of house-to-house surveys.
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in the case on January 21. Depending on the court’s decision, the EC could be directed to modify its procedures for verifying electoral rolls. It is possible the court will require greater transparency in the process or mandate a more robust appeals mechanism for those flagged with discrepancies. Alternatively, the court could uphold the EC’s current approach, allowing the Special Intensive Revision exercise to continue as planned. The notice phase of the revision is currently scheduled to continue until February 7, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ‘logical discrepancy’ in the context of the electoral roll?
According to the EC, a ‘logical discrepancy’ refers to data points in the electoral roll that are statistically improbable or scientifically impossible, such as an elector being linked to an unusually high number of children or a significant age gap between parents and children.
How does the EC plan to address these discrepancies?
The EC states that it will issue notices to electors identified with discrepancies, requiring them to provide documentation to verify their information with the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
What is the significance of linking electors to the 2002 electoral roll?
‘Mapping’ is the term used by the EC to link an elector’s lineage with the 2002 roll. The EC is using this process to ensure continuity and accuracy in the updated electoral rolls.
How might these revisions impact the upcoming elections in West Bengal?
