Bengal SIR: Enumeration done, ECI doubtful over high voter number detected through progeny-mapping
Kolkata, Dec 12 (LatestNewsX) – After the first stage of the three‑phase Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal finished its enumeration phase, the Election Commission of India (ECI) expressed concerns over the unexpectedly large number of voters discovered through progeny‑mapping.
According to data from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office, digitizing the completed enumeration forms that booth‑level officers (BLOs) collected shows that 3,84,85,166 existing voters were identified via progeny‑mapping. By contrast, only 2,94,52,893 voters were found through self‑mapping, a figure that aligns with the digitisation rates.
Voters who appear on both the current list dated 27 October 2025 and the 2002 list are counted as self‑mapped. Those who lack their own names but appear because of their parents’ entries on the 2002 list are counted as progeny‑mapped.
In response, the ECI, through the CEO’s office, has ordered all SIR officials in West Bengal to double‑check the details of the progeny‑mapped voters before these names are added to the preliminary voters’ list that is slated for release on 16 December. Special roll observers appointed by the commission will also monitor this verification process.
Sources from the CEO office said officials should pay particular attention to cases where a voter’s age relative to their supposed parent seems unusually close. They also noted that Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Additional Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) must ensure the photographs on enumeration forms match the new photos presented by voters.
The finalized voters’ list for West Bengal will be published on 14 February 2026, after which the ECI will likely set the Assembly polling dates for the state.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
