Association Submits Formal Representation to State CEO The West Bengal officers’ association sent a detailed representation to Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, objecting to the draft‑roll deletions carried out under the System‑Generated Identification of Registrants (SIR) process [1]. It argues that the deletions sideline the statutory duties of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and lack transparent procedural safeguards [1]. The letter urges the CEO to issue explicit directions enabling EROs to exercise their legal responsibilities during the deletion phase [1].

Election Commission Removes Over 58 Lakh Electors from Draft Rolls The Election Commission published West Bengal’s draft electoral rolls after the SIR exercise, deleting more than 58 lakh voters on grounds such as death, migration and failure to submit enumeration forms [1]. The association highlights that many of those removed had not returned their enumeration forms, suggesting the deletions were indiscriminate [1]. This large‑scale purge has ignited debate over the integrity of the roll‑revision exercise [1].

Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act Cited as Protective Measure The association references Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which mandates that electors receive a reasonable opportunity to be heard before any deletion [1]. It contends that this statutory right should extend to draft‑roll deletions executed through the SIR system [1]. Failure to provide a hearing, the association warns, could constitute a violation of electors’ natural rights [1].

Call for Clearer Guidance and Accountability for EROs The letter requests that the West Bengal CEO issue clear procedural guidance so EROs can fulfill their statutory role without ambiguity [1]. It warns that without such direction, accountability may be unfairly placed on EROs who did not actively participate in the deletion decisions [1]. The association stresses that due‑process safeguards are essential to prevent exclusion of eligible voters [1].

Broader Concerns Over Eligibility and Democratic Participation By framing the SIR‑driven deletions as potentially excluding eligible voters, the association raises questions about the overall fairness of the roll‑revision process [1]. It warns that large‑scale deletions could undermine public confidence in electoral administration ahead of upcoming elections [1]. The association’s representation seeks remedial action to protect voter rights and ensure procedural integrity [1].