West Bengal Elections: Massive queues have formed outside tribunal centers in West Bengal as voters, whose names were deleted during the recent intensive revision of electoral rolls, seek reinstatement ahead of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for April 23 and 29, 2026. The situation has sparked widespread protests and concerns over voter disenfranchisement.
In North 24 Parganas’ Basirhat area, allegations of wrongful deletion of nearly 700 voters from three booths led to roadblocks and tire burnings. Similar scenes unfolded in Purba Bardhaman’s Katwa, where residents queued outside the Sub-Divisional Office, hoping to appeal for their names to be restored. Central forces were deployed to manage the crowds, but chaos and confusion persisted as hundreds waited for hours.
The controversy has drawn sharp political reactions. Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh expressed solidarity with affected voters, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their voting rights. Conversely, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh reiterated the party’s stance on removing illegal voters, suggesting clarity will emerge once the final list is declared.
Last week, tensions escalated when seven judicial officers were held hostage in Malda by residents protesting wrongful deletions. The incident, which drew criticism from the Chief Justice of India, has prompted an investigation by the National Investigating Agency. Meanwhile, tribunals across 23 districts, headed by former High Court judges, are working to address the appeals of ‘under adjudication’ voters.
As the election date approaches, the resolution of these voter list issues remains critical. The outcome of the tribunals’ decisions will likely influence the political landscape, with all eyes on the unfolding developments in West Bengal.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 7, 2026
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