Has Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Received a SIR Hearing Notice?
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Synopsis
West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja is facing a summons for a Special Intensive Revision hearing amid claims of a technical error in the voter list. Her frustration highlights the ongoing issues with the electoral process in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Shashi Panja summoned for SIR hearing.
- Claims technical errors in electoral app.
- Voter list verification process ongoing in Bengal.
- Previous summons issued to notable personalities.
- Political reactions highlight concerns over electoral integrity.
Kolkata, Jan 25 (NationPress) West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja has been issued a notice to attend a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing, requiring her presence at an SIR hearing center in Kolkata this Sunday.
Shashi Panja serves as the state minister for Industries, Commerce, and Enterprises, and also holds the independent charge of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare.
Her name was listed in the 2002 voter roll of West Bengal, and she claims to have submitted all necessary details in the enumeration form for the ongoing SIR process related to the state’s electoral rolls.
Despite these assertions, the minister found herself summoned for the hearing, a situation she found frustrating.
She stated that the absence of her name from the 2002 list was not due to any logical inconsistency but rather a malfunction in the app that resulted in her name being omitted.
"I am taken aback. My name appears on the 2002 list. However, due to the Election Commission's hurried handling of the SIR process, there are numerous errors in the BLOs' app and software. Consequently, although my name is indeed on the 2002 list, it is not visible in the app. They might have anticipated addressing this separately. Nevertheless, I am prepared to register myself at the SIR hearing just as any other citizen would," Panja told reporters.
The SIR process for Bengal's voter list commenced in October of the previous year. Currently, efforts to verify and correct inaccuracies in the voter list are ongoing.
Following the completion and submission of the enumeration forms, the hearing stage is now active. Numerous voters are being summoned for hearings for various reasons, including logical discrepancies and mapping issues.
Previously, notable personalities such as Nobel Laureate economist Amartya Sen, celebrated poet Joy Goswami, Trinamool Congress MP and film star Dev, and many others have also received summons for the SIR hearings. Now, State Minister and Trinamool Congress MLA Shashi Panja has been added to that roster. She has been directed to appear at Keshab Academy this Sunday.
"I reside in Ward No. 26 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. This is astonishing. I am truly surprised. If I am receiving a summons, what does that mean for the ordinary citizens? This is absurd," she remarked.
In response to this situation, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh commented, "She should have sought legal recourse. She could have demonstrated that her name was indeed on the 2002 voter list, albeit not reflected in the app. I support her decision to stand in line. However, if such a significant injustice has occurred, she ought to take legal action against the Election Commission."
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the implications of Shashi Panja's situation. This event underscores the challenges within the electoral system and raises questions about the efficacy of the processes in place. It highlights a need for reforms to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their status, receive fair treatment in the electoral process.
NationPress
25/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIR hearing?
The SIR hearing, or Special Intensive Revision hearing, is part of a process to validate and rectify errors in the electoral rolls.
Why was Shashi Panja summoned?
She was summoned due to her name not appearing in the app, despite being on the 2002 voter list.
What is the significance of the voter list verification?
Voter list verification is crucial to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in elections and that the electoral process is fair.
What are the potential implications of this incident?
This incident could expose flaws in the electoral system and lead to calls for reforms to improve the accuracy and reliability of voter lists.
How are other political figures reacting?
Other political figures, like BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, have suggested that legal action should be taken if significant injustices have occurred.
