Kolkata, November 2025 – The atmosphere in Bengal is charged with anxiety and debate as the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls sweeps across the state. This constitutional process, intended to clean up voter lists, has become a flashpoint for political rivals in the run-up to next year’s assembly elections.
What Is SIR?
SIR is a periodic audit and update of voter rolls, aiming to remove duplicate and fake entries, but also risking the exclusion of genuine citizens due to documentation gaps. The BJP claims SIR will weed out up to two crore “excess” voters, accusing rivals of inflating rolls with infiltrators from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, argue that the exercise threatens legitimate voters, dubbing SIR “silent, invisible rigging” and “anti-Bengal.”
Political Drama Unfolds
Recent rallies have brought thousands to Kolkata’s streets, with Mamata Banerjee leading a protest march, carrying a copy of the Indian Constitution and demanding, “If a single eligible voter is removed, we will ensure the fall of the BJP government.” At the same time, opposition leaders frame SIR as essential for electoral transparency.
The BJP has launched campaigns like “Delete, Detain, Deport,” focused on removing alleged illegal voters, but stresses that “Indian Muslims have nothing to fear from SIR.” Meanwhile, the TMC encourages citizens not to share documents with anyone, deepening fears and confusion among ordinary Bengalis.
Tragic Consequences
Sadly, the controversy has already resulted in reported suicides related to SIR, as anxieties mount over citizenship and identity. Social scientists warn that Bengal’s deeply polarised population and its history of political violence—combined with a sizable undocumented community—make it particularly vulnerable to unrest.
Election Commission Steps In
The Election Commission has issued fresh directives to ensure BLO (Booth Level Officer) neutrality and transparency, responding to complaints from multiple parties about irregularities in the verification process.
The Road Ahead
As SIR continues, the city’s iconic streets are dotted with rallies, placards, and debates. Many wonder if the new wave of voter scrutiny will restore faith in democracy or deepen divisions ahead of the high-stakes Bengal elections.