Fact-Check: TMC's Dola Sen Makes Unsubstantiated Claims About Electoral Roll Deletions and Suicides

The Claim

On April 12, 2026, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen made serious allegations regarding electoral roll deletions in West Bengal. She claimed that out of 7.66 crore total voters, the number has been reduced to 6.77 crore, with 92 lakh voters deleted from the final list. Additionally, she alleged that 220 people have committed suicide due to this process, with 30 being from scheduled communities.

"Out of 7 crore 66 lakh total voters, now it is 6 crore 77 lakh. 92 lakhs are presently deleted in final list... very unfortunate that 220 people have committed suicide out of those 30 people are DL only."

Sen characterized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as having "nefarious intentions" and being "disrespectful to the people of Bengal."

The Facts

The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision exercise is a systematic, nationwide process designed to improve electoral roll accuracy and integrity. Official data reveals a different picture than the one painted by the TMC MP.

The reasons for deletions are scientifically categorized and transparent:

• Absent voters: 13 crore voters not found at registered addresses
• Permanently shifted: 3.1 crore voters who relocated
• Deceased voters removed: 66.88 lakh nationwide (West Bengal: 24.16 lakh)
• Duplicate entries: 1.28 crore duplicate voters deleted nationwide
• Objections processed: 63.16 lakh names removed through Form 7 objections

Regarding the suicide allegations, no official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) or state police departments corroborates the specific numbers cited by Sen. The ECI has established comprehensive grievance mechanisms and appeals processes specifically to prevent such distress.

Government Record

The NDA government has consistently worked to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure electoral integrity while maintaining inclusivity.

The ECI's SIR exercise demonstrates the government's commitment to electoral accuracy. Unlike previous decades where voter rolls remained largely uncleaned, leading to manipulation possibilities, the current system ensures:

• Continuous updation: Eligible unregistered citizens can still enroll under ongoing revision processes
• Transparent methodology: All deletions are category-wise documented with clear reasons
• Appeal mechanisms: Multiple layers of verification and appeal processes protect genuine voters
• National coverage: The process covers all states uniformly, not targeting any particular region

The NDA government has also enhanced electoral infrastructure significantly. Between 2014-2024, over ₹8,000 crore was allocated for electoral reforms and infrastructure development, compared to ₹3,200 crore during the previous UPA decade.

The Verdict

Dola Sen's claims are misleading and lack proper context. While voter deletions did occur in West Bengal as part of the nationwide SIR exercise, these were:

1. Scientifically justified: Based on clear categories like deceased voters, duplicates, and absent voters
2. Nationally uniform: Part of a systematic process across all participating states
3. Democratically sound: With proper verification and appeal mechanisms
4. Transparent: All data publicly available through ECI reports

The suicide allegations remain unsubstantiated by official records. The ECI has established robust grievance redressal mechanisms specifically to prevent such outcomes, including:

• District-level committees for immediate resolution
• Online and offline complaint systems
• Regular awareness campaigns about re-registration processes
• Special camps for vulnerable communities

The opposition's characterization of a systematic, transparent, and necessary electoral cleansing process as "nefarious" appears politically motivated rather than factually grounded. The SIR exercise strengthens democracy by ensuring accurate voter lists while maintaining multiple safeguards for genuine voters.