West Bengal Draft Voter List: 5.8 Million Names Likely Removed

• Draft voter lists for West Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep will be published today under Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase 2.
• Approximately 58 lakh names are expected to be removed from West Bengal's voter list due to deceased, shifted, or duplicate entries.
• Other states like Rajasthan (7.5-8%) and Goa (8.5%) also anticipate significant name removals; Lakshadweep expects 2.5%.
• The large number of invalid entries is partly attributed to a 2010 amendment to the Representation of the People Act, which hindered proper verification and removal.
• Voters can check their entries and file claims/objections after publication; the Supreme Court will hear petitions challenging SIR today.

Why It Matters: Millions of voters face removal, impacting electoral integrity and rights.