Methodology

Data sources

The underlying records originate from the SIR 2026 adjudication deletion lists and the supplementary electoral rolls published by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Because ECI e-rolls are issued as image-based PDFs rather than machine-readable files, the deletion data was digitised through optical character recognition (OCR) and systematic verification against official records. Full data lineage is documented on the Sources & data lineage page.

Workflow

1. Deleted-elector records are sourced from official deletion lists and organised by Assembly Constituency.
2. Each EPIC number is verified against the official ECI portal to determine its validity, current application status, and supporting details.
3. Transcriptions were cross-validated. Records confirmed valid were checked for appeal filing status (Submitted Online, Submitted Offline, or Not Applied).
4. Tribunal outcomes for appealed electors are classified as Approved, Rejected, or Decision Awaited.

Definitions

1. Total deleted voters

The constituency-wise and statewide count of electors deleted during the Adjudication phase of SIR 2026 in West Bengal, sourced from the official AC-wise deletion schedules.

2. Total Deleted Voters Checked

The total count of valid elector records extracted from the deletion rolls and verified through the adjudication appeal checking system.

3. Valid EPICs

EPIC records that resolved as valid on the electoral portal and matched the elector details in the deletion list.

4. Invalid and not processed

EPIC numbers that failed portal validation due to scan obscurities or transcription issues and were not processed further.

5. Applied to Tribunal

Deleted electors who filed an appeal before the designated Appellate Tribunal (either submitted online by citizen or submitted offline).

6. Not Applied to Tribunal

Deleted electors for whom no appeal record was found on the tribunal portal.

7. Tribunal outcome – Approved

Appeals disposed by the Tribunal where the deletion decision was set aside and the elector's status reinstated.

8. Tribunal outcome – Rejected

Appeals disposed by the Tribunal where the deletion was upheld.

9. Tribunal outcome – Decision awaited

Appeals filed before the Tribunal that remain pending adjudication.

How the figures reconcile

Total deleted voters   = Total EPICs processed + EPICs not processed
Total EPICs processed  = Valid EPICs + Invalid and not processed EPICs
Valid EPICs            = Applied to Tribunal + Not Applied to Tribunal
Applied to Tribunal    = Tribunal Disposed + Tribunal outcome Awaiting
Tribunal Disposed      = Tribunal outcome Approved + Tribunal outcome Rejected

Hurdles Faced

1. Non-machine-readable publication of electoral records

The ECI published deletion rolls as image-based PDFs, necessitating automated OCR and manual validation passes.

2. Unavailability of consolidated appeal data

Because no central consolidated appeal register was provided by authorities, each record required individual status verification.

Demographic reporting

Gender figures are aggregate counts drawn from verified records. These categories reflect labels present in official source data only.

Limits of interpretation

All figures presented here are operational research indicators. Before relying on any figure for legal, policy, or public advocacy purposes, verify it against the underlying official record and case file.