Mamata Alleges EC Uses BJP-Developed App for Electoral Roll Revision

Mamata Banerjee accuses Election Commission of using BJP IT cell app for voter list revisions.

Photo by Markus Winkler

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission (EC) of using an application developed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT cell for the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Banerjee alleged the app shows living voters as dead and removes elderly voters. She also criticized the EC for issuing notices to elderly voters for SIR hearings and using AI for these notices. TMC MP Derek O’Brien filed a plea in the Supreme Court alleging irregularities in the SIR process. After the first phase of SIR, 58 lakh names were deleted, and 1.26 crore voters were identified with ‘logical discrepancies.’

Key Facts

Mamata alleges EC uses BJP IT cell app

58 lakh names deleted after SIR phase 1

1.26 crore voters with 'logical discrepancies'

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Election Commission, electoral processes

Connects to syllabus topics on constitutional bodies, election reforms

Potential question types: factual, analytical, current affairs based

Visual Insights

West Bengal: Electoral Roll Revision Concerns (2026)

Map highlighting West Bengal, where concerns have been raised regarding the electoral roll revision process. The marker indicates the state capital, Kolkata.

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📍West Bengal📍Kolkata

More Information

Background

The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a Republic. The Constitution of India, under Article 324, provides for an independent and autonomous Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections. Initially, the ECI consisted of only one Election Commissioner.

However, after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act of 1989, it was converted into a multi-member body, comprising a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The evolution of electoral roll revision has been a continuous process, starting with manual methods and progressing to computerized systems. The introduction of technology aims to enhance accuracy and efficiency in voter registration and prevent malpractices.

Latest Developments

Recent developments in electoral roll management include the increased use of technology, such as AI and data analytics, to identify discrepancies and improve the accuracy of voter lists. The Election Commission has been focusing on enhancing voter participation through various awareness campaigns and initiatives, including the use of social media and mobile applications.

In the past 2-3 years, there has been a growing emphasis on ensuring inclusivity and accessibility of the electoral process for all citizens, especially marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. The future outlook involves further integration of technology to streamline the electoral process and enhance transparency and accountability.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI is a multi-member body since its inception. 2. Article 324 of the Constitution provides for an independent ECI. 3. The Election Commissioners can be removed from office in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.2 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as the ECI was initially a single-member body. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the Constitution and established procedures.

2. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India? A) To determine the constituencies' boundaries after every census. B) To prepare and periodically revise electoral rolls. C) To conduct elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President. D) To advise the President on matters relating to the disqualification of Members of Parliament.

A.To determine the constituencies' boundaries after every census.
B.To prepare and periodically revise electoral rolls.
C.To conduct elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President.
D.To advise the President on matters relating to the disqualification of Members of Parliament.

Show Answer

Answer: D

While the ECI conducts elections and prepares electoral rolls, advising the President on matters of disqualification of MPs is not its direct function. This falls under the purview of the President in consultation with the ECI.

3. Consider the following statements: 1. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 deals with the actual conduct of elections. 2. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament and state legislatures. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 deals with the allocation of seats and delimitation of constituencies. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with the actual conduct of elections, and qualifications/disqualifications.

4. Assertion (A): The Election Commission of India has been increasingly using technology in the electoral process. Reason (R): Technology helps in improving efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in voter registration and election management. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C.A is true, but R is false.
D.A is false, but R is true.

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason correctly explains why the Election Commission is increasingly using technology.

Part of Story Threads

Controversy Over Electoral Roll Revisions and Voter Deletions (Jan 2026)

Concerns raised regarding large-scale voter deletions and alleged biases in the electoral roll revision process, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, during January 2026.