The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearings for voter verification in the state concluded on Saturday after running for 50 days, beginning on Dec. 27. According to election officials, nearly five lakh voters failed to attend the hearings.
Sources indicated that the highest number of absentees was recorded in North 24 Parganas, where approximately 1.38 lakh voters didn’t appear despite receiving notices. South 24 Parganas also reported substantial non-attendance, with around 46,000 voters missing their hearings.
In Kolkata, the absence figures were notable as well. Officials reported that nearly 22,000 voters were absent in South Kolkata, while about 2,000 voters didn’t attend hearings in North Kolkata. Additionally, Kalimpong recorded 440 absent voters.
Election authorities stated that, as per the latest estimates, names of about 6.61 lakh voters have been omitted from the rolls. This includes roughly 4.98 lakh voters removed due to non-appearance and another 1.63 lakh categorised as ineligible.
State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal clarified that voters excluded from the final list will still have opportunities to apply for corrections. He emphasised that revisions are an ongoing process, even after the final electoral roll is published on Feb. 28.
The verification of documents submitted by voters who attended the hearings will continue until Feb. 21. Officials noted that the total number of omissions may rise further.