Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Mar 28: With just weeks remaining for the April 29 election, a controversy over missing supplementary voter lists has sparked concern in the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to face Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer, nearly 60 lakh voters across West Bengal fall under the “under adjudication” category. While a supplementary list covering 29 lakh voters has been released, it remains unavailable in several areas, including Bhabanipur, even after more than 72 hours.

The supplementary list is meant to indicate whether voters’ names are included, excluded, or require appeal before a tribunal set up by the Kolkata High Court. However, its absence at most polling booths in Bhabanipur has left voters unable to verify their status. Booth Level Officers have also reported not receiving hard copies, further adding to the confusion.

Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the situation, demanding immediate release of the lists and alleging that voters’ democratic rights were being undermined. She also raised concerns over alleged selective removal of names.

Residents have voiced anxiety over the uncertainty, with several long-time voters claiming they are unable to confirm whether their names remain on the rolls. Many said the delay has caused stress and fear about losing their right to vote.

In Bhabanipur alone, over 47,000 names have reportedly been excluded from the final supplementary roll. Political representatives said thousands of voters in the constituency fall under the adjudication category, intensifying tensions ahead of polling day.

Officials clarified that electoral rolls for some constituencies are yet to be finalised, as judicial approval is pending in certain cases. They assured that the lists will be published once the process is complete.

With the election date approaching, the delay has left many voters uncertain, turning the contest into not just a political battle but also a question of access to the ballot.