Uproar in Bhawanipur as living voters marked ‘deleted’ in final SIR list

The publication of the final SIR voter list has triggered controversy in Bhawanipur, the Assembly constituency represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after allegations surfaced that several living voters have been marked as “Deleted”. The markings effectively remove their names from the electoral roll, leading to an uproar in the area.

Residents of Ward No. 74, Part No. 93, including Kusum Dube and Dipali Barman, claimed that despite submitting all required documents, their names were shown as deleted in the final list. They alleged that while other family members remain listed as voters, they have been marked in a manner suggesting they are no longer eligible, with some claiming they have been effectively declared deceased.

Further allegations have emerged that in certain cases, names of deceased individuals continue to appear on the list. Additionally, some voters who were reportedly not called for hearings have “Adjudication” noted beside their names, raising questions about the verification process followed before the publication of the revised roll.

Local councillor and Borough No. 9 Chairperson Debolina Biswas alleged that similar discrepancies are being reported in multiple wards. She questioned why such errors surfaced despite extensive publicity and preparations ahead of the finalisation of the list, and raised concerns over the inconvenience caused to ordinary citizens.

The controversy adds to earlier criticism following the draft list’s release, which had also drawn objections from political quarters. The Commission, however, has maintained that individuals whose names have been removed have the right to challenge the decision through the prescribed process.