Scrutiny starts for 42k Form 7 applications

Kolkata: EC officials are now scrutinising more than 42,000 Form 7 applications submitted across Bengal seeking the exclusion of names from electoral rolls, as the hearings for the same concluded. These 42,000-plus forms were submitted after the draft roll was published on Dec 16, 2025. An EC official stated that ahead of the draft roll publication, 56,000 Form 7 applications were submitted, most of which were already processed.The surge in Form 7 submissions—used to request the deletion of deceased, shifted, or duplicate voters—comes amid ongoing scrutiny of voter lists ahead of the upcoming Bengal polls. Sources indicate the applications target over 42,000 names flagged for potential removal, highlighting efforts to rectify inaccuracies in the state's voter database.
A senior EC official said, "These submissions are under verification to ensure integrity of the electoral roll." Districts adjoining Kolkata, including Howrah and North 24 Parganas, reported the highest numbers, with processing expected to wrap up within one week.Political parties welcomed the scrutiny of Form 7 but urged transparency to prevent any misuse of the process.