About 3.5 lakh voters marked as “unmapped” under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal did not turn up for hearings, raising concern among election officials. During the first phase of the SIR hearing in the State, about 32 lakh voters were categorised as unmapped as they could not establish any link with the 2002 electoral rolls.
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According to State Election Commission officials, the no-show rate among unmapped voters stood at over 10%. While the last date for hearings for unmapped voters ended this week, the Election Commission has extended the date till February 7.
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People who failed to appear can approach their Booth Level Officers (BLO) to seek a fresh hearing slot, though they will have to provide a valid reason for their absence. Poll officials said that though many of the no-shows could be genuine cases, the high number—3.5 lakh—has fuelled suspicion that some entries may be bogus.
