Kolkata, November 13, 2025 – A significant number of Aadhaar card holders, approximately 34 lakh, have been identified as 'deceased' in West Bengal since theUnique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) began issuing the identity cards in January 2009. This information was shared with the Election Commission (EC) as part of the ongoing efforts to revise and purify the electoral rolls in the state.
The revelation comes amidst West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign, where data from UIDAI and banks is being utilized to identify and remove duplicate, deceased, and ghost voters from the electoral rolls. In addition to the 34 lakh deceased Aadhaar holders, it has also been found that approximately 13 lakh residents who never possessed an Aadhaar card have also passed away. The findings have complicated the effort to cleanse the electoral rolls.
The data sharing between UIDAI and the Election Commission aims to enhance the accuracy and integrity of the voter list. This initiative is crucial for ensuring fair and transparent elections by preventing fraudulent voting practices. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are currently undertaking door-to-door verification to meticulously update the electoral rolls. This process involves confirming the details of registered voters and identifying any discrepancies, including instances of deceased individuals remaining on the rolls.
The discovery of such a large number of deceased Aadhaar holders raises concerns about potential misuse of these identities for fraudulent activities, such as claiming government benefits or manipulating election outcomes. Authorities are expected to launch investigations to determine the extent of any such malpractices and take corrective measures.
The Election Commission has been actively working to strengthen the electoral process and address issues related to inaccurate voter lists. The collaboration with UIDAI and the use of Aadhaar data are significant steps in this direction. By cross-referencing data from various sources, the EC aims to create a more reliable and up-to-date electoral roll, ensuring that only eligible citizens are able to exercise their right to vote.
The ongoing revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further scrutiny of voter data and verification of records. The Election Commission is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, and the identification and removal of deceased voters is a critical part of this effort. The final electoral rolls, incorporating these revisions, will be published in due course, ahead of upcoming elections.
