EC’s ‘special powers’ not used? Around 150 Sonagachi sex workers allege exclusion ahead of phase 2 polls

Ahead of the second phase of voting in the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, concerns have emerged from Sonagachi in North Kolkata, where around 150 sex workers have reportedly been excluded from the voter list despite earlier assurances from the Election Commission. The issue has triggered anxiety among the affected individuals, many of whom had struggled for years to secure their voting rights and now fear losing them again just before polling.

The controversy stems from a previous assurance by Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, who had stated that even in cases where standard documentation was incomplete, the Commission could use its special powers to include eligible voters in the electoral roll. However, despite submitting documents and attending hearings, several names were not reinstated, raising questions about the implementation of those assurances.

Sonagachi, which falls under the Shyampukur Assembly constituency, has a population of over 7,000 residents, including approximately 2,100 sex workers. Reports indicate that issues related to enumeration forms and documentation had affected many individuals earlier, with some temporarily leaving the area due to fear and uncertainty during the revision process.

Organisations working with the community, including Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, had approached the Election Commission highlighting these concerns. A special camp was also set up in the area to address grievances, but activists claim that despite these efforts, a significant number of eligible voters have still been left out. In some cases, it is alleged that children’s names were included while their mothers’ names were excluded.

Members of the community have expressed distress over the situation, stating that voting rights were achieved only after prolonged struggle and advocacy. With polling imminent, those excluded say they are unable to participate this time and are now exploring legal avenues to restore their rights in the future, even as uncertainty continues over the Commission’s use of discretionary powers.