Just three days remain until the February 7 deadline for finalizing hearings on West Bengal’s draft electoral roll, where authorities must address claims and objections from around 15 lakh voters. The pressure is on, but the Election Commission remains optimistic.
With the final list due on February 14, the state has ramped up operations at 6,500 centers. Sources from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office affirm that current daily disposal rates make it feasible to meet the goal without hitches.
Crucially, this will precede the Supreme Court’s February 9 hearing on the SIR process, where Mamata Banerjee’s government anticipates defending its position robustly. Launched on December 27, the revision started sluggishly but accelerated through expanded resources.
Following the list’s publication, ECI’s complete team will descend on Kolkata for an assessment, leading straight into assembly election scheduling. A key proposal suggests slashing phases from eight to two, eyeing completion by April’s end and a new administration by May’s start.
This high-stakes rush underscores West Bengal’s pivotal role in India’s electoral calendar, with every hearing carrying weight for fair and timely polls.