The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday (March 15) officially released the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that voting will take place throughout April, with the counting of votes set for May 4 for all five regions.Voting in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will be held in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will head to the polls in a single phase on April 23.&nbsp;The poll body announced the schedule for two-phase elections in West Bengal, with polling dates set for April 23 and April 29, marking a significant reduction from the eight phases held during the 2021 elections.&nbsp;Votes for all 824 constituencies across the four states and one Union Territory will be counted on May 4, and results will be announced on the same day.&nbsp;With the formal announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect immediately across all poll-bound regions.<h2>Key players across states</h2>In West Bengal, the 294-seat assembly will see a direct face-off between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, has been in power in the state since 2011.&nbsp;&nbsp;Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for 126 state assembly seats.&nbsp;In Kerala, the traditional rivalry between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) for 140 seats has expanded into a three-way contest, as the BJP-led NDA plans to contest 100 seats, leaving the remaining 40 to its allies, BDJS and Twenty20.&nbsp;The contest for Tamil Nadu’s 234 seats has intensified with the ruling DMK-led Progressive Alliance recently sealing a pact to give the Congress 28 seats. They face the AIADMK-led front, which includes the PMK and BJP, while new players like actor Vijay’s TVK and Seeman’s NTK also emerged as significant challengers.&nbsp;In Puducherry, the ruling NDA has finalised a 16-14 seat-sharing split between the AINRC and BJP for the 30-member assembly, as they prepare to defend their turf against the Congress-DMK-led alliance.

With the formal announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect immediately across all poll-bound regions.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday (March 15) officially released the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that voting will take place throughout April, with the counting of votes set for May 4 for all five regions. Voting in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will be held in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will head to the polls in a single phase on April 23. The poll body announced the schedule for two-phase elections in West Bengal, with polling dates set for April 23 and April 29, marking a significant reduction from the eight phases held during the 2021 elections. Votes for all 824 constituencies across the four states and one Union Territory will be counted on May 4, and results will be announced on the same day. With the formal announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect immediately across all poll-bound regions. Key players across states In West Bengal, the 294-seat assembly will see a direct face-off between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, has been in power in the state since 2011. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for 126 state assembly seats. In Kerala, the traditional rivalry between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) for 140 seats has expanded into a three-way contest, as the BJP-led NDA plans to contest 100 seats, leaving the remaining 40 to its allies, BDJS and Twenty20. The contest for Tamil Nadu’s 234 seats has intensified with the ruling DMK-led Progressive Alliance recently sealing a pact to give the Congress 28 seats. They face the AIADMK-led front, which includes the PMK and BJP, while new players like actor Vijay’s TVK and Seeman’s NTK also emerged as significant challengers. In Puducherry, the ruling NDA has finalised a 16-14 seat-sharing split between the AINRC and BJP for the 30-member assembly, as they prepare to defend their turf against the Congress-DMK-led alliance.

With the formal announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect immediately across all poll-bound regions.

Bengal to vote on April 23, 29; Tamil Nadu on April 23; Kerala, Assam, Puducherry on April 9; results on May 4

A booth-level officer in West Bengal has been arrested along with an accomplice for allegedly murdering a man over an extramarital affair with the latter’s wife, chopping his body into pieces, and dumping them at three different locations in a canal. Police said on Saturday the preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had an extramarital relationship with the victim’s wife. Police officials said that the accused BLO, Rizwan Hasan Mondal, was in a relationship with Nasir Ali’s wife and had called Ali on the pretext of SIR and murdered him.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-victory-is-not-declared-by-mere-rhetoric-as-our-neighbourhood-entities-do-says-cds-gen-anil-chauhan-1771085253490">‘Victory is not declared by mere rhetoric as our neighbourhood entities do,’ says CDS Gen Anil Chauhan</a>&nbsp;The incident took place in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, where BLO Rizwan Hasan Mondal and his accomplice Sagar Gyne were arrested for murdering Nasir Ali.Initial investigation revealed that Rizwan was in a relationship with 30-year-old Nasir’s wife. Ali’s body parts were found in a canal in Baduria on Friday.&nbsp;<h2>BLO murdered Nasir Ali, dumped body parts in canal</h2>&nbsp;Rizwan had called Ali to a deserted place on Monday evening, citing some issues related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, said a PTI report, citing police officials.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-and-europe-belong-together-but-allies-should-defend-themselves-says-rubio-at-munich-security-conference-1771068794871">‘US and Europe belong together, but allies should defend themselves,’ says Rubio at Munich Security Conference</a>&nbsp;The accused murdered Ali and dumped his body parts at three different locations in the canal, which were recovered by the police on Friday.&nbsp;The family of the deceased had lodged a missing person complaint on Tuesday. Police began investigating and tracked Rizwan’s phone calls. Following interrogation, Rizwan was arrested on the charges of murdering Ali and dumping his body parts in the canal.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/valentine-s-day-horror-in-noida-man-kills-girlfriend-then-shoots-self-in-parked-car-1771079335853">Valentine’s Day horror in Noida: Man kills girlfriend, then shoots self in parked car</a>&nbsp;His accomplice, Gyne, was also arrested on the charges of assisting in the murder, dismemberment of the body, and dumping of the parts.Locals of the area staged a roadblock for around half an hour, demanding justice for the deceased.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Initial investigation revealed that the accused BLO Rizwan Hasan Mondal was in a relationship with 30-year-old Nasir’s wife. The accused murdered Ali and dumped his body parts at three different locations in the canal, which were recovered by the police

A booth-level officer in West Bengal has been arrested along with an accomplice for allegedly murdering a man over an extramarital affair with the latter’s wife, chopping his body into pieces, and dumping them at three different locations in a canal. Police said on Saturday the preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had an extramarital relationship with the victim’s wife. Police officials said that the accused BLO, Rizwan Hasan Mondal, was in a relationship with Nasir Ali’s wife and had called Ali on the pretext of SIR and murdered him. Also Read: ‘Victory is not declared by mere rhetoric as our neighbourhood entities do,’ says CDS Gen Anil Chauhan The incident took place in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, where BLO Rizwan Hasan Mondal and his accomplice Sagar Gyne were arrested for murdering Nasir Ali. Initial investigation revealed that Rizwan was in a relationship with 30-year-old Nasir’s wife. Ali’s body parts were found in a canal in Baduria on Friday. BLO murdered Nasir Ali, dumped body parts in canal Rizwan had called Ali to a deserted place on Monday evening, citing some issues related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, said a PTI report, citing police officials. Also Read: ‘US and Europe belong together, but allies should defend themselves,’ says Rubio at Munich Security Conference The accused murdered Ali and dumped his body parts at three different locations in the canal, which were recovered by the police on Friday. The family of the deceased had lodged a missing person complaint on Tuesday. Police began investigating and tracked Rizwan’s phone calls. Following interrogation, Rizwan was arrested on the charges of murdering Ali and dumping his body parts in the canal. Also Read: Valentine’s Day horror in Noida: Man kills girlfriend, then shoots self in parked car His accomplice, Gyne, was also arrested on the charges of assisting in the murder, dismemberment of the body, and dumping of the parts. Locals of the area staged a roadblock for around half an hour, demanding justice for the deceased.

Initial investigation revealed that the accused BLO Rizwan Hasan Mondal was in a relationship with 30-year-old Nasir’s wife. The accused murdered Ali and dumped his body parts at three different locations in the canal, which were recovered by the police

In Bengal, BLO calls lover’s husband for SIR, kills him, chops body and dumps parts in canal

 One of the two nurses infected by the Nipah virus in West Bengal has died after prolonged treatment at a private hospital in North 24 Parganas district. The nurse had been on life support with ventilator assistance since the second week of January. This marks the first recorded death from the deadly virus in the state.


West Bengal Records First Nipah Death in India as One of Two Infected Nurses Dies

The Supreme Court of India has extended the deadline for the Scrutiny of the Special Investigation Report (S.I.R.) in West Bengal to February 14, 2026. This extension allows additional time for document verification and submission of objections by concerned parties.

West Bengal S.I.R: Supreme Court Extends West Bengal S.I.R. Deadline

Mamata Banerjee takes the Supreme Court stage to challenge West Bengal’s voter roll revisions, calling out mass deletions and micro-observer scrutiny that unfairly target the state.


Mamata Flags Mass Deletion of Voter Names in West Bengal |

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared in the Supreme Court today as a CJI-led bench heard the plea concerning the Election Commission. 

Mamata Banerjee Appears in Supreme Court Over Election Commission Plea

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said she walked out of a meeting with chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at his office in Delhi, accusing him of “insulting, disrespecting and humiliating’ her when a delegation of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) went to meet him in his office in New Delhi on Monday.


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Walks Out of a Meeting With Chief Election Commissioner

Authorities in West Bengal, India, have reported a Nipah virus outbreak, prompting heightened surveillance and health measures. Hospitals and local health officials are on alert to contain the spread. Residents are urged to follow safety guidelines, report symptoms early, and avoid contact with bats and affected individuals. The outbreak has raised concerns across Asia due to the virus’s high fatality rate and potential for human-to-human transmission.


Centre: Only Two Nipah Virus Cases in Bengal

Authorities in West Bengal, India, have reported a Nipah virus outbreak, prompting heightened surveillance and health measures. Hospitals and local health officials are on alert to contain the spread. Residents are urged to follow safety guidelines, report symptoms early, and avoid contact with bats and affected individuals. The outbreak has raised concerns across Asia due to the virus’s high fatality rate and potential for human-to-human transmission.

India on High Alert: Nipah Virus Outbreak Reported in West Bengal, India

PM Modi Launches Major Development Projects Across West Bengal

A high-stakes legal showdown has unfolded in India’s Supreme Court between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court has issued notices over ED allegations linked to I-PAC raids, restrained state police action against ED officials, and ordered preservation of CCTV footage.


West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and ED clash in India's Supreme Court

Two healthcare workers suspected of being infected by Nipah virus in Barasat city in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal are undergoing treatment.

Nipah Cases In West Bengal: People Infected Show Influenza-Like Symptoms

Nipah Cases In West Bengal: People Infected With Nipah Virus Show Influenza-Like Symptoms 

Two suspected cases of Nipah virus were detected in West Bengal’s Barasat, prompting the Centre to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to assist the state authorities for effective containment. According to officials, the two patients, a male nurse and a female nurse working at the same private hospital, were in critical condition and kept on a ventilator. They had gone home in East Midnapore and East Burdwan in December and fell ill.“Two suspected cases of Nipah virus have been reported. They both worked in the same hospital and are now admitted there. We have started contact tracing,” said Nandini Chakravorty, chief secretary of West Bengal.The samples of both patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for confirmation, a second official said. “While the Union health ministry has been alerted, the state’s chief secretary and the state health secretary held meetings with the chief medical officers of North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, and East Midnapore.”The Ministry of Health said in a statement on X, “Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda assures the West Bengal Government of comprehensive technical, logistical and operational support following the detection of two suspected Nipah virus cases at ICMR-VRDL, AIIMS Kalyani.”It added, “Immediate coordinated action has been initiated; laboratory support, enhanced surveillance, case management, IPC measures and expert guidance have been mobilised. Shri Nadda spoke with Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee, underscoring close Centre–State coordination. A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has been deployed and standard protocols shared to ensure effective containment.”<h2>What is Nipah virus and what are its symptoms?</h2>Nipah (NiV) is a zoonotic virus. That is, it is a virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Evidence cited in medical journals shows that fruit bats and pigs host the virus, which can lead to serious illness in both animals and humans.In all the outbreaks of Nipah virus so far, since it was first reported in Malaysia in 1998, patients usually develop a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms. They include fever, headache, respiratory difficulties, convulsions, coughing, and vomiting. Additionally, if the virus is not detected early, then further complications such as respiratory infections and atypical pneumonia may develop.These symptoms can progress quite rapidly, within just 24 to 48 hours, and further lead to coma and eventually death.<h2>Can Nipah virus be treated?</h2>There is no cure or vaccine to treat the Nipah virus yet. However, it emerged on September 16 that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is ramping up its efforts to develop a potential vaccine.Treatments, therefore, are limited to symptomatic and supportive care to treat the signs and symptoms of the illness. If further complications are seen, consideration needs to be taken to treat possible cases of encephalitis, which can be transmitted from one person to another. Therefore, it’s important to implement standard infection control practices to limit transfer.

Two suspected Nipah virus cases were detected in West Bengal’s Barasat, prompting the Centre to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team. The patients are in critical condition, and their samples have been sent for confirmation.

Two suspected cases of Nipah virus were detected in West Bengal’s Barasat, prompting the Centre to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to assist the state authorities for effective containment. According to officials, the two patients, a male nurse and a female nurse working at the same private hospital, were in critical condition and kept on a ventilator. They had gone home in East Midnapore and East Burdwan in December and fell ill. “Two suspected cases of Nipah virus have been reported. They both worked in the same hospital and are now admitted there. We have started contact tracing,” said Nandini Chakravorty, chief secretary of West Bengal. The samples of both patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for confirmation, a second official said. “While the Union health ministry has been alerted, the state’s chief secretary and the state health secretary held meetings with the chief medical officers of North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, and East Midnapore.” The Ministry of Health said in a statement on X, “Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda assures the West Bengal Government of comprehensive technical, logistical and operational support following the detection of two suspected Nipah virus cases at ICMR-VRDL, AIIMS Kalyani.” It added, “Immediate coordinated action has been initiated; laboratory support, enhanced surveillance, case management, IPC measures and expert guidance have been mobilised. Shri Nadda spoke with Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee, underscoring close Centre–State coordination. A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has been deployed and standard protocols shared to ensure effective containment.” What is Nipah virus and what are its symptoms? Nipah (NiV) is a zoonotic virus. That is, it is a virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Evidence cited in medical journals shows that fruit bats and pigs host the virus, which can lead to serious illness in both animals and humans. In all the outbreaks of Nipah virus so far, since it was first reported in Malaysia in 1998, patients usually develop a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms. They include fever, headache, respiratory difficulties, convulsions, coughing, and vomiting. Additionally, if the virus is not detected early, then further complications such as respiratory infections and atypical pneumonia may develop. These symptoms can progress quite rapidly, within just 24 to 48 hours, and further lead to coma and eventually death. Can Nipah virus be treated? There is no cure or vaccine to treat the Nipah virus yet. However, it emerged on September 16 that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is ramping up its efforts to develop a potential vaccine. Treatments, therefore, are limited to symptomatic and supportive care to treat the signs and symptoms of the illness. If further complications are seen, consideration needs to be taken to treat possible cases of encephalitis, which can be transmitted from one person to another. Therefore, it’s important to implement standard infection control practices to limit transfer.

Two suspected Nipah virus cases were detected in West Bengal’s Barasat, prompting the Centre to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team. The patients are in critical condition, and their samples have been sent for confirmation.

Nipah virus detected in West Bengal? Early symptoms and signs you must know

Two healthcare workers suspected of being infected by Nipah virus in Barasat city in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal are undergoing treatment.


Nipah virus: Centre steps in as two Nipah cases detected in West Bengal

The Indian Navy has begun work on a new base at Haldia, in West Bengal, to strengthen India's maritime presence in the northern Bay of Bengal region amid increasing Chinese naval presence and evolving regional security situations pertaining to Bangladesh and Pakistan. According to media reports, the new base, which is unnamed yet, will work as a naval "detachment" for small warships like Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) and New Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (NWJFAC).&nbsp;The Navy will upgrade the existing Haldia dock complex to rapidly operationalise with minimal additional infrastructure. Initial work will include building a dedicated jetty and shore-support facilities. Currently, the Indian Navy have bases along the eastern coast of India, chiefly in Vishakhapatnam, where the Eastern Naval Command have its headquarters, and also in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.&nbsp;However, the Haldia bases assume significant importance for several reasons, including rising movements by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Indian Ocean Region, growing threats of maritime infiltrations, and rising incidents of illegal crossings from Bangladesh into India using sea routes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-blackout-iran-s-streets-run-red-tehran-doctor-says-at-least-217-killed-as-regime-opens-fire-on-protestors-report-1768040473068">Under blackout, Iran's streets run red: Tehran doctor says at least 217 killed as regime opens fire on protestors - Report</a>&nbsp;The base also becomes a key asset amid China's growing defence and infrastructure engagement with Bangladesh, along with its long-standing military cooperation with Pakistan. The base will house around a hundred officers and personnel, possibly fewer. Its location at Haldia, about 100 km from Kolkata on the Bay of Bengal, is advantageous as it avoids the long and time-consuming journey up the Hooghly River. In 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the Navy’s proposal to procure 120 Fast Interceptor Craft (FICs) and 31 Next-Generation Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (NWJFACs).&nbsp;The FICs, for example, are small, agile boats of around 100 tonnes, capable of speeds up to 45 knots. Armed with machine guns, they can carry 10–12 personnel and are designed for a wide range of operational roles.

The base becomes a key asset amid China's growing defence and infrastructure engagement with Bangladesh, along with its long-standing military cooperation with Pakistan.

The Indian Navy has begun work on a new base at Haldia, in West Bengal, to strengthen India's maritime presence in the northern Bay of Bengal region amid increasing Chinese naval presence and evolving regional security situations pertaining to Bangladesh and Pakistan. According to media reports, the new base, which is unnamed yet, will work as a naval "detachment" for small warships like Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) and New Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (NWJFAC). The Navy will upgrade the existing Haldia dock complex to rapidly operationalise with minimal additional infrastructure. Initial work will include building a dedicated jetty and shore-support facilities. Currently, the Indian Navy have bases along the eastern coast of India, chiefly in Vishakhapatnam, where the Eastern Naval Command have its headquarters, and also in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the Haldia bases assume significant importance for several reasons, including rising movements by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Indian Ocean Region, growing threats of maritime infiltrations, and rising incidents of illegal crossings from Bangladesh into India using sea routes. Also Read: Under blackout, Iran's streets run red: Tehran doctor says at least 217 killed as regime opens fire on protestors - Report The base also becomes a key asset amid China's growing defence and infrastructure engagement with Bangladesh, along with its long-standing military cooperation with Pakistan. The base will house around a hundred officers and personnel, possibly fewer. Its location at Haldia, about 100 km from Kolkata on the Bay of Bengal, is advantageous as it avoids the long and time-consuming journey up the Hooghly River. In 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the Navy’s proposal to procure 120 Fast Interceptor Craft (FICs) and 31 Next-Generation Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (NWJFACs). The FICs, for example, are small, agile boats of around 100 tonnes, capable of speeds up to 45 knots. Armed with machine guns, they can carry 10–12 personnel and are designed for a wide range of operational roles.

The base becomes a key asset amid China's growing defence and infrastructure engagement with Bangladesh, along with its long-standing military cooperation with Pakistan.

Indian Navy to establish base in West Bengal’s Haldia to bolster maritime monitoring of China, Bangladesh

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister, leads a massive protest march in Kolkata against the Enforcement Directorate’s action following the I-PAC raid. The rally highlights rising political tensions and widespread public support for Banerjee’s stance.

ED vs Mamata Banerjee: West Bengal Cm Mamata Banerjee Leads March in Kolkata

The political and legal confrontation in West Bengal intensifies as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) faces sharp criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The controversy centers on ‘green files’ seized during recent ED raids, prompting a multi-party legal battle at the Calcutta High Court involving the TMC, ED, and IPAC.

Mamata has accused the federal agency of politically motivated actions, stating, “But this paper was our paper. You forcibly snatched it from our house.” She has also called for mega protests, framing the crackdown as a political vendetta ahead of upcoming polls. Meanwhile, the BJP questions who she is trying to protect, and the Congress has expressed concerns over the handling of documents during an active investigation.

West Bengal Tensions Escalate: Mamata Banerjee Clashes With ED Over ‘Green Files’ 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacts strongly to the Enforcement Directorate's raid on her residence and the home of I-PAC chief. She accuses the BJP of political targeting amid rising tensions in the state.

West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee Attacks BJP for Raid on Residence of I-PAC Chief

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Criticizes BJP After ED Raid

West Bengal Assembly elections are approaching and are seen as crucial. Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh believes people are ready for change. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visits are credited with strengthening the BJP's base and boosting worker morale. Shah is meeting with state BJP leaders to review preparedness and strategy for the upcoming polls.

Amit Shah Lays Out BJP's Core Campaign Agenda for West Bengal Elections Race To Power 

West Bengal Assembly elections are approaching and are seen as crucial. Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh believes people are ready for change. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visits are credited with strengthening the BJP's base and boosting worker morale. Shah is meeting with state BJP leaders to review preparedness and strategy for the upcoming polls.



Amit Shah lays out BJP's core campaign agenda for West Bengal elections

Over 58 lakh pre-existing voters have been deleted from the draft list for 2026, due to death, relocation, duplication, missing, and other reasons.


India: 58 Lakh Voters Deleted from West Bengal's Draft Electoral Roll 

The Election Commission of India flagged 58,08,202 (around 6 million) names as potentially eligible for exclusion from the electoral rolls following completion of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal. The poll body on Friday (Dec 12) extended the duration of the ongoing electoral clean-up drive for five states and a union territory, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while in Rajasthan, West Bengal and Goa, it marked the completion of enumeration.&nbsp;According to the Election Commission, officials said that the figures represent the count of deceased, missing, relocated, bogus and other disqualified voters identified during the enumeration process in the state. The commission expected he final figure to be similar to the draft rolls with minor adjustments after considering complaints and anomalies flagged by the voters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-ukraine-of-targeting-chemical-facilities-risking-exposure-to-civilians-1765528782940">Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting chemical facilities, risking exposure to civilians</a>&nbsp;West Bengal's electoral roll, last certified on 27 October 2025, records 7,66,37,529 registered voters. In this context, the provisional figure of 50 lakh represents a sizeable share of the electorate. Election officials and the Chief Electoral Officer’s office have repeatedly emphasised that this number is only a preliminary outcome of the digitisation process. They clarified that it must be viewed within the administrative sequence that follows: publication of the draft roll, issuance of notices, hearings, resolution of claims and objections, and finally, the Election Commission of India’s scrutiny and approval of the final list.&nbsp;The poll body classified 1,35,575 voters as bogus, while another 57,509 voters are placed under the "other" category, all of whom are slated for removal from the draft list. It will publish the draft electoral roll on December 6, following which voters can raise objections, report errors or submit missing information.&nbsp;The Election Commission launched the second phase of the SIR drive across 12 states and Union Territories with preparatory printing and training from 28–30 October 2025, followed by house-to-house enumeration from 4 November to 11 December 2025. Draft electoral rolls were published on 16 December 2025, with the claims and objections window open until 15 January 2026, and the final voter list set for publication by mid-February 2026.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/venture-capital-leaders-pranav-sharma-blue-gold-s-sameer-salgar-join-kyvex-1765534750547">Venture Capital Leaders Pranav Sharma &amp; Blue Gold’s Sameer Salgar Join Kyvex to lead Global Business Development and accelerate global expansion of India’s Sovereign AI Platform</a>&nbsp;However, the exercise became a point of contention between the ruling NDA alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Opposition Bloc, with Congress describing it as a move aimed at vote theft. In contrast, the BJP described it as a routine exercise to clean up electoral rolls in the country.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Amid the row over the Special Intensive Revision, the Election Commission identified 58,08,202 names potentially eligible for deletion on the grounds of deceased, missing, relocated and bogus voters.

The Election Commission of India flagged 58,08,202 (around 6 million) names as potentially eligible for exclusion from the electoral rolls following completion of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal. The poll body on Friday (Dec 12) extended the duration of the ongoing electoral clean-up drive for five states and a union territory, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while in Rajasthan, West Bengal and Goa, it marked the completion of enumeration. According to the Election Commission, officials said that the figures represent the count of deceased, missing, relocated, bogus and other disqualified voters identified during the enumeration process in the state. The commission expected he final figure to be similar to the draft rolls with minor adjustments after considering complaints and anomalies flagged by the voters. Also Read: Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting chemical facilities, risking exposure to civilians West Bengal's electoral roll, last certified on 27 October 2025, records 7,66,37,529 registered voters. In this context, the provisional figure of 50 lakh represents a sizeable share of the electorate. Election officials and the Chief Electoral Officer’s office have repeatedly emphasised that this number is only a preliminary outcome of the digitisation process. They clarified that it must be viewed within the administrative sequence that follows: publication of the draft roll, issuance of notices, hearings, resolution of claims and objections, and finally, the Election Commission of India’s scrutiny and approval of the final list. The poll body classified 1,35,575 voters as bogus, while another 57,509 voters are placed under the "other" category, all of whom are slated for removal from the draft list. It will publish the draft electoral roll on December 6, following which voters can raise objections, report errors or submit missing information. The Election Commission launched the second phase of the SIR drive across 12 states and Union Territories with preparatory printing and training from 28–30 October 2025, followed by house-to-house enumeration from 4 November to 11 December 2025. Draft electoral rolls were published on 16 December 2025, with the claims and objections window open until 15 January 2026, and the final voter list set for publication by mid-February 2026. Also Read: Venture Capital Leaders Pranav Sharma & Blue Gold’s Sameer Salgar Join Kyvex to lead Global Business Development and accelerate global expansion of India’s Sovereign AI Platform However, the exercise became a point of contention between the ruling NDA alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Opposition Bloc, with Congress describing it as a move aimed at vote theft. In contrast, the BJP described it as a routine exercise to clean up electoral rolls in the country.