he Election Commission of India (ECI) has formally initiated preparations for the revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound West Bengal, directing the Chief Secretary and all District Election Officers (DEOs) to expedite appointments and logistical groundwork for the upcoming exercise. The move comes ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding Bihar’s controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
While the Commission has not officially designated the Bengal exercise as an SIR, officials have clarified that voter roll revisions are standard procedure before elections. “We don’t know whether it would be called SIR or not, but like in earlier polls, the roll revision will be done,” an EC official stated, adding that preparations are being fast-tracked to potentially begin the process in early September.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal issued two letters—one on August 26 to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, urging immediate filling of vacant posts for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant EROs (AEROs), and another on August 27 to all DEOs outlining operational directives. The letters emphasize that statutory responsibilities must not be delegated and that ERONet credentials must remain confidential.
The CEO’s directive reads:
“AEROs/EROs shall not delegate the discharge of any of their statutory duties and functions to any other official or person, and shall not share their ERONet login ID and OTP with any data entry operator or other personnel under any circumstance.”
The EC’s move follows a series of electoral roll irregularities in Bengal, including the fraudulent registration of voters in Baruipur Purba and Moyna constituencies. In response, the state government suspended four officials but declined to file FIRs, prompting further scrutiny from the Commission.
As the Supreme Court continues to hear petitions challenging the SIR process in Bihar, the rollout in West Bengal is being closely watched. Political parties are expected to meet with the CEO on August 29 to discuss the implications and ensure transparency in the revision process.
“AEROs/EROs shall not delegate the discharge of any of their statutory duties and functions to any other official or person, and shall not share their ERONet login ID and OTP with any data entry operator or other personnel under any circumstance.”
The EC’s move follows a series of electoral roll irregularities in Bengal, including the fraudulent registration of voters in Baruipur Purba and Moyna constituencies. In response, the state government suspended four officials but declined to file FIRs, prompting further scrutiny from the Commission.
As the Supreme Court continues to hear petitions challenging the SIR process in Bihar, the rollout in West Bengal is being closely watched. Political parties are expected to meet with the CEO on August 29 to discuss the implications and ensure transparency in the revision process.
