Opposition parties have launched a legal and political challenge against recent election results in Bihar and West Bengal, alleging that large-scale deletions of voters during the Special Electoral Roll Revision (SIR) process undermined the integrity of the polls. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is under intense scrutiny after data revealed that in nearly 50 constituencies in West Bengal, the number of voters declared ineligible surpassed the winning margin, raising questions about the impact on outcomes.

In Bihar, the BJP-led NDA secured 202 of 243 seats, while in West Bengal, the BJP won 206 of 293 seats, dealing a severe blow to the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan and Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, respectively. Following the results, Banerjee accused the ECI of being a 'BJP's Commission' and alleged that 'more than 100 seats' were lost due to voter deletions, calling the victory 'immoral' and 'illegal'. Protests and legal petitions have since been filed.

The SIR process, which the ECI describes as a routine exercise to remove duplicates and deceased voters, has come under fire for its scale and timing. In West Bengal, over 27 lakh electors were marked as 'ineligible' or under adjudication, with fewer than 1,500 names restored before voting. In key constituencies like Champdani, Karandighi, and Jangipur, the number of deleted voters was two to three times the victory margin. Similar patterns were observed in seats won by both the BJP and TMC, indicating the issue is not confined to one party.

The Supreme Court had previously expressed concern on April 23, noting that if 15% of the electorate in a constituency was disenfranchised while the victory margin was only 2%, it would 'definitely have to apply minds'. Opposition leaders now argue the ECI failed to ensure transparency and due process, with some claiming the institution's credibility is eroded. The ECI maintains that all procedures were followed lawfully and that the SIR exercise is essential for electoral integrity.

The ECI is expected to respond formally to the allegations, while multiple legal challenges are likely to proceed in the coming weeks. The court will resume hearings on related petitions starting next week, and the ECI has announced a review of the SIR guidelines for future elections.