The Election Commission of India is focusing on progeny mapping in West Bengal's electoral roll revision amid major discrepancies in submissions. Over 50% of electors claimed progeny mapping, but irregularities in parental links have surfaced, particularly in certain districts. Verification processes, including house-to-house surveys, are underway to ensure the accuracy of the draft roll due on December 16.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is intensifying efforts on progeny mapping as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, ahead of the state's assembly polls in summer 2026. The enumeration phase concluded on Thursday night, with the draft electoral roll set for publication on December 16, 2025.
Progeny mapping refers to linking new electors in the 2025 roll to blood relatives in the 2002 roll, following the last SIR. The three categories are self-mapping for those appearing in both rolls, progeny mapping for those related to 2002 voters, and no mapping for those with no connections, who must provide documentary proof at hearings.
Out of 7.66 crore electors, 2.93 crore submitted self-mapping forms, 3.84 crore progeny mapping, and 30 lakh no mapping. However, forms from 58 lakh electors remain unfiled, including 24.18 lakh deceased, 12.01 lakh untraceable, 19.93 lakh permanently shifted, 1.37 lakh enrolled multiple times, and 57,509 others.
Significant discrepancies have emerged in progeny mapping claims. Many 2025 voters linked to 2002 parents contradict their own records. A senior ECI official noted, “Our experts have already analysed submissions with progeny mapping, and we got many dubious results which are now subject to verification.”
The highest concentrations are in South 24-Parganas and North 24 Parganas. Examples include 705 of 779 voters at a booth in Hingalganj (North 24 Parganas) and 977 of 1,119 in Hemtabad (North Dinajpur) showing contradictory parental data. Similar issues appear in Dhupguri, Dabgram-Phulbari, Dinhata, Murarai, Habibpur, and other constituencies.
To address false mappings, ECI has initiated house-to-house surveys. District Electoral Officers will compile suspect lists, followed by hearings for document verification. Electors in self-mapping or verified progeny cases need no further proof. Kolkata is expected to face the maximum impact from potential deletions.
