Just weeks before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, a major controversy has erupted in the Domjur constituency of Howrah district. On Saturday, a massive protest broke out after more than 850 residents discovered that their names had been deleted from the latest Voter List (SIR). Infuriated by the sudden loss of their democratic rights, locals blocked the main roads, burning tires and demanding an immediate explanation from the authorities.

The Source of Tension: According to the protesters, names from booth numbers 308 and 309 were systematically removed without any prior notice or field verification. “We have been living and voting here for generations. How can 850 names vanish overnight? This is a deliberate attempt to suppress our voices,” claimed a local resident. The scale of the deletion has raised eyebrows among political analysts and local citizens alike.

Security Intervention: As the blockade crippled traffic and tension mounted, a large contingent from the Domjur Police Station arrived at the spot. However, the crowd refused to disperse, leading to a standoff. Eventually, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) had to be deployed to restore order and clear the highway. The protest lasted for over three hours, causing significant disruption in the area.

Official Response: Local administrative officials and representatives from the Election Office later met with the protesters. They assured the citizens that the matter would be investigated with high priority and any technical errors in the electoral roll would be rectified before the final polling day.

The incident has sparked a political firestorm in Howrah, with opposition parties accusing the ruling machinery of “voter suppression.” The Election Commission has been urged to conduct a thorough audit of the deleted entries to ensure the integrity of the upcoming polls.