Mamata Banerjee Criticizes EC Over Deletion of 54 Lakh Voters
Mamata Banerjee alleges EC removed 54 lakh voters without proper hearing.
Photo by Chad Stembridge
Key Facts
Mamata Banerjee: EC deleted 54 lakh voters
Allegation: Voters removed without proper hearing
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Election Commission, electoral processes, voter rights
Connects to syllabus topics like constitutional bodies, election reforms, and issues related to voter participation
Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on ECI powers, analytical questions on electoral roll management
Visual Insights
Voter Deletion Controversy in West Bengal
Map highlighting West Bengal, where the alleged deletion of 54 lakh voters has sparked controversy. The marker indicates the state capital, Kolkata.
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More Information
Background
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on 25th January 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 had only one Election Commissioner.
However, after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act, 1989, it was converted into a multi-member body, comprising a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The evolution of the ECI has been marked by continuous efforts to strengthen the electoral process, including the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), and various measures to enhance voter registration and participation. The role of the ECI has expanded significantly over the years, encompassing not only the conduct of elections but also the maintenance of electoral rolls and the adjudication of disputes related to elections.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Election Commission has focused on enhancing voter awareness and participation, particularly among marginalized communities and first-time voters. The introduction of initiatives like the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program aims to educate voters about the electoral process and encourage them to exercise their franchise. Furthermore, the ECI has been actively addressing concerns related to electoral roll discrepancies and voter registration issues through various measures, including special drives and awareness campaigns.
The use of technology, such as mobile apps and online portals, has also been promoted to facilitate voter registration and access to electoral information. Looking ahead, the ECI is expected to continue its efforts to strengthen the electoral process, address emerging challenges such as fake news and disinformation, and ensure the integrity and credibility of elections.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution. 2. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. 3. The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The ECI is a constitutional body, the CEC has the same removal process as a SC judge, and the ECI conducts all major elections in India.
2. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India?
- A.To prepare and maintain electoral rolls
- B.To conduct elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures
- C.To adjudicate election disputes
- D.To delimit constituencies
Show Answer
Answer: C
While the ECI conducts elections and maintains electoral rolls, election disputes are adjudicated by the courts, not the ECI directly. Delimitation of constituencies is done by a separate Delimitation Commission.
3. Assertion (A): Allegations of voter deletion raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Reason (R): A fair and transparent electoral roll is essential for ensuring free and fair elections. In the context of the above statements, 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 true, and the reason correctly explains why voter deletion is a concern – it undermines the fairness of elections.
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.
Electoral Roll Revision Concerns - January 2026
Controversies surrounding electoral roll revisions in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, including allegations of voter deletion and flawed processes.
Source Articles
EC deleted 54 lakh ‘genuine voters’ in West Bengal without giving them chance to defend themselves: Mamata | Kolkata News - The Indian Express
Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls: In fresh charge against EC on SIR, why Mamata talks of more voter deletions and ‘afterthought’ of logical discrepancies | Kolkata News - The Indian Express
EC deleted 54 lakh 'genuine voters' in West Bengal without giving them chance to defend themselves: Mamata
BJP IT cell sitting in EC, using AI to delete voters’ names, says Mamata