Impact of Special Intensive Revision on West Bengal Assembly Elections

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has significantly influenced the West Bengal Assembly elections, leading to the exclusion of millions of voters from the electoral rolls. This article delves into the implications of these exclusions, the resulting shifts in voter turnout, and how the BJP capitalized on the situation to increase its seat count dramatically. With statistical insights and analysis of key constituencies, this piece provides a comprehensive overview of the electoral landscape in West Bengal, highlighting the challenges faced by the TMC amidst these changes.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 12:23 IST

Significance of Special Intensive Revision in Elections

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has emerged as a critical topic in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Millions of voters across the state found themselves excluded from the electoral rolls, with many still navigating various offices to rectify their status. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been vocal about this issue, alleging that it has led to electoral fraud in numerous constituencies. Results indicate that in areas where SIR significantly affected voter lists, the BJP gained a substantial advantage. Interestingly, even in regions with fewer voter exclusions, the BJP still received a considerable number of votes, showcasing a significant margin of victory.

Voter Exclusions Due to SIR

Approximately 9.1 million voters were removed from the voter lists due to SIR in West Bengal. Some election officials, who were on duty during the elections, also found their names missing from the lists. While millions of voters approached the tribunal seeking redress, only a few hundred have had their names reinstated at the last moment. Notably, in constituencies where many names were cut, the voter turnout was remarkably high. This phenomenon is interpreted as a result of the removal of duplicate, deceased, or relocated voters, leaving only the genuine electorate who turned out in large numbers.

Statistical Insights

According to a report, in 169 constituencies where over 25,000 votes were cut, the TMC won 128 seats and the BJP secured 41 in 2021. This time, the scenario flipped dramatically. Following SIR, the BJP's seat count more than doubled, while the TMC's representation fell to less than half. The BJP emerged victorious in 104 of these constituencies, while the TMC managed to win only 63.

In constituencies with fewer than 25,000 votes cut, the BJP also benefited. Out of 124 such seats, the BJP had won only 36 in 2021 but achieved victory in 108 this time. Similarly, in 38 constituencies where significant 'logical discrepancies' led to vote cuts, the TMC had won 34 in 2021 but could secure only 16 this time.

Voter Turnout in Key Constituencies

In areas like Chaurangi, 40% of voters were excluded, with 38% in Jorasanko, 36% in Shamsherganj, 33% in Howrah North, and 30% in Kolkata Port. These constituencies witnessed a remarkable surge in voter turnout. Compared to 2021, Chaurangi saw a 33% increase in voting, Jorasanko 36.5%, Shamsherganj 16%, Howrah North 19.6%, and Kolkata Port 24.8%.

Despite the voter cuts, TMC managed to retain its seat in Chaurangi, with Nayana Bandopadhyay winning by a margin of 22,000 votes. Jorasanko, a TMC stronghold since 2001, saw TMC's Vijay Upadhyay lose to BJP's Vijay Ojha by 5,797 votes after SIR. Shamsherganj remained a TMC victory, while the BJP defeated TMC in Howrah North by 11,250 votes. In Kolkata Port, TMC's prominent leader Firhad Hakim not only won but did so with a significant margin of 56,080 votes.