Deadline for clearing appeals of deleted voters ahead of first phase of polling ends

A special report reveals that 27 lakh names have been deleted from the voter list in West Bengal ahead of the first phase of assembly elections. Over 34 lakh appeals have been filed with tribunals, but the clearance process remains slow. The Election Commission deleted these names based on a software-driven process citing logical discrepancies, a method not implemented in other states. Voters face uncertainty due to a lack of clear procedures and physical hearings at tribunals. Individuals affected include a student from Burdwan, an IT professional, and a booth level officer in the Sitai Assembly constituency who risks losing his right to vote. Lakhs of voters await a formal response from the Election Commission, leaving their participation in the democratic process uncertain as the deadline for the first phase of polling concludes.