The Election Commission is set to release the first supplementary voter list this evening, a move that has sent shockwaves across West Bengal. Sources suggest that while 28 lakh names will be published, nearly 10 lakh names are likely to be struck off the rolls. Amidst this tension, the death of Utpal Thokdar, a BLO from Chanchal in Malda, has highlighted the immense pressure on ground-level officials. His family alleges he succumbed to severe mental stress regarding the scrutiny of voters in his booth.

According to the Commission, the list will first reach District Election Officers and then be displayed at individual booths. Separate lists will be provided for those whose names have been successfully included and those who have been excluded. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has assured that the TMC will provide full legal assistance to those whose names are missing. The second list is expected to be released next Friday.

To prevent any communal or political flare-ups following the exclusion of names, the state police have rushed additional contingents to sensitive zones like Murshidabad, Jangipur, and Malda. Acting DG Siddhinath Gupta is currently chairing a virtual meet with top cops to review law and order. Meanwhile, the National Election Commission will hold a high-level meeting at 3 PM with DMs and SPs to ensure a peaceful rollout of the list and discuss security for the upcoming Ram Navami festival.