West Bengal is witnessing a controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of its electoral rolls, a process that has triggered a wave of panic among suspected illegal Bangladeshi migrants, prompting many to flee back to Bangladesh. Reports indicate that hundreds, some allegedly holding Indian identification, are leaving their residences out of fear that the voter roll revision is a veiled attempt to implement an NRC-like exercise, potentially leading to their expulsion.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced strong opposition to the ongoing SIR, penning a letter to the Election Commission detailing her serious reservations. She characterized the process as “unplanned, chaotic and dangerous,” citing a lack of proper training, unclear documentation requirements, and the practical impossibility of citizens participating given their work commitments.
In her correspondence, Banerjee stressed that the SIR is “structurally unsound” due to “critical gaps in training, lack of clarity on mandatory documentation and the near-impossibility of meeting voters in the midst of their livelihood schedules.” This has created an alarming situation on the ground.
The Chief Minister highlighted the plight of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are reportedly overwhelmed by the demands of the SIR. Many BLOs, juggling their primary professions with extensive enumeration tasks and complex online data submissions, are facing significant challenges. Inadequate training, server malfunctions, and persistent data errors are reportedly compromising the accuracy of the voter list, putting the credibility of the entire exercise at risk.
Banerjee cautioned that the inherent flaws in the SIR could result in legitimate voters being disenfranchised and a general erosion of the electoral roll’s integrity. The timing of the revision, overlapping with critical agricultural activities such as the paddy harvest and Rabi sowing, further complicates participation for a large segment of the population. The escalating pressure on officials has reportedly led to tragic consequences, including the suicide of a BLO. The Chief Minister is calling for immediate intervention from the Election Commission to halt the process and implement a more feasible and equitable approach.