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West Bengal : unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has announced a major step aimed at addressing what it claims are serious irregularities in the ongoing voter list revision process. The party has decided to identify and document the names of booth-level officers, electoral registration officers, and assistant electoral registration officers who are allegedly refusing to accept Form-7 applications in legitimate cases. According to the BJP, these names will be formally submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, as concerns grow over the integrity of the voters’ list ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Background of the Form-7 Issue

Form-7 applications play a crucial role in the electoral process, as they are used to remove names of deceased voters, duplicate entries, and voters who have shifted their residence from the official electoral rolls. Accurate handling of these applications is considered essential to ensure free and fair elections. The BJP claims that deliberate obstruction in accepting such forms can distort the voters’ list and open the door to electoral malpractice.

Allegations During the Special Intensive Revision Process

According to BJP leaders in the state, the problem began during the enumeration stage, which is the first phase of the three-stage Special Intensive Revision exercise. During this stage, booth-level officers are responsible for verifying voter details at the ground level. The party alleges that many officers refused to accept Form-7 applications despite valid documentation, resulting in questionable names remaining on the draft voters’ list that was published on December 16 last year.

Concerns in the Claims and Objections Phase

The BJP further claims that the same pattern is continuing in the second phase of the revision process, which involves hearings on claims and objections raised against the draft voters’ list. During this stage, electoral registration officers and assistant electoral registration officers are expected to carefully examine complaints and make corrections where necessary. However, the party alleges that several officials are still declining to accept Form-7 applications in genuine cases, raising alarms about systemic bias.

Fear of False Voting on Polling Day

Party representatives have expressed concern that retaining names of deceased, duplicate, and shifted voters in the final electoral roll could enable false voting on polling day. According to their statements, this practice could directly influence election outcomes and undermine democratic principles. The BJP has stated that its objective is to prevent such scenarios by bringing the alleged misconduct of electoral officials to the notice of the Election Commission.

Identification of Erring Officers

The BJP leadership in West Bengal has claimed that it has already started identifying officials involved in the alleged irregularities. The party has also indicated that some officers from the state civil services are under scrutiny. According to party sources, several of these officers still have many years of service remaining, and detailed information about them has been collected. The party insists that accountability is necessary to protect the credibility of the electoral system.

Trinamool Congress Responds to Allegations

The ruling Trinamool Congress has strongly rejected the BJP’s claims. According to the party, the opposition’s real intention is to submit Form-7 applications in large numbers to ensure that the names of genuine voters are removed from the final voters’ list. The Trinamool Congress leadership has described the BJP’s accusations as politically motivated and aimed at creating confusion ahead of the elections.

Timeline for Final Voters’ List and Elections

As per the current schedule, the final voters’ list is expected to be published on February 14. However, there are indications that the Election Commission of India may extend the deadline if required. Once the final list is released, the Commission is expected to announce the polling dates for the West Bengal Assembly elections later this year. The developments surrounding the voter list revision are therefore being closely watched by all political stakeholders.

Political and Electoral Significance

The controversy highlights the high political stakes involved in the upcoming elections and underscores the importance of transparent electoral procedures. With allegations and counter-allegations intensifying, the role of the Election Commission will be critical in ensuring that the revision process remains impartial and credible. As the situation unfolds, the voter list revision issue is likely to remain a key talking point in West Bengal’s political landscape.