How Did a Bangladeshi National End Up on Bengal's Voter List?
Synopsis
A Bangladeshi national has been identified on the voter list in West Bengal during the Special Intensive Revision process. This shocking discovery raises questions about electoral integrity. Investigations are ongoing to clarify her eligibility.
Key Takeaways
A Bangladeshi national was found on the Indian voter list.
Monju Rani Saha has participated in elections in both countries.
An investigation is underway to explore this discrepancy.
The final SIR list will be published soon.
West Bengal government is providing additional officers for the SIR process.
New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) As the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative approaches its conclusion in West Bengal, election commission sources report a surprising finding—a Bangladeshi citizen appears on the draft voter list. This woman, identified as Monju Rani Saha, has also participated in elections in Bangladesh.
Monju Rani Saha's name has appeared on the draft voter list of Bengal under the SIR. She holds both an Indian voter ID and an Aadhaar card, which facilitated her inclusion in the draft list. However, the subsequent review by micro-observers led to a shocking revelation.
It was found that she is also listed as a voter in Bangladesh.
Currently, she is registered as a voter in Barasat, located in North 24 Parganas district. Her Indian Aadhaar card lists her residence as Rishi Bankim Sarani in Hridaypur, Barasat.
Conversely, her address on the Bangladeshi voter list is recorded as Narayanganj Sadar in Narayanganj District, where she is known to have voted at Narayanganj Girls' School.
Authorities are currently investigating how her name appeared on the Indian voter list.
Should the allegations be substantiated, her name may be removed from the final SIR list, which is set to be released later this month.
The Election Commission has indicated that Saturday marked the final day for SIR hearings. A request has been submitted for an extension of this period, but a decision from the Election Commission is pending as the matter is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing on Monday regarding SIR-related issues.
In a related development, the West Bengal government has informed the Election Commission that it can offer 8,505 Group-B officers for the remaining phase of the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list in the state.
Point of View
I believe that this incident underscores the importance of maintaining a robust electoral system. The presence of a foreign national on the voter list raises significant concerns about the verification processes in place. It is essential for the Election Commission to address this issue transparently to uphold public trust in our democratic institutions.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Monju Rani Saha?
Monju Rani Saha is a woman found listed as a voter in both India and Bangladesh during the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an electoral exercise aimed at updating and verifying the voter list in a specific region.
What will happen to Monju Rani Saha's name on the voter list?
If allegations regarding her dual voting status are proved true, her name may be removed from the final SIR list.
How did the Election Commission respond to this incident?
An investigation has been initiated to understand how Monju Rani Saha's name ended up on the Indian voter list.
What measures are being taken to ensure electoral integrity?
The Election Commission is reviewing the voter list and investigating discrepancies to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
