Will ECI Announce SIR Dates Today for 2026 Assembly Poll-Bound States, Including Bengal?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Stay tuned as the Election Commission of India is set to announce critical dates for the Special Intensive Revision across various states today. This announcement holds significant implications for the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal is among the states where the SIR will be conducted.
- The ECI will announce the SIR dates today.
- The exercise aims to maintain an accurate electoral roll.
- Political tensions exist surrounding the SIR process.
- The last SIR was in 2002.
Kolkata, Oct 27 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) is anticipated to reveal the dates for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in states preparing for assembly elections next year, which includes West Bengal, on Monday.
A press conference has been scheduled by the ECI at 4:30 p.m. at its headquarters in New Delhi, where the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is expected to disclose the states where this critical exercise will take place shortly.
While the SIR will be conducted across the nation, the immediate phase will focus on states holding assembly elections next year. Following this pattern, it is anticipated that the SIR dates will be unveiled for four states: West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, all of which are scheduled for assembly elections.
Moreover, the SIR dates for the Union Territory of Puducherry, which also has legislative assembly polls next year, are likely to be announced on the same day.
The SIR process has already concluded in Bihar, where a two-phase assembly election is set for next month.
In contrast to the other states, the SIR has sparked controversy in West Bengal, with different political factions expressing conflicting views on the matter.
The ruling Trinamool Congress opposes the entire concept, arguing that the SIR is a hidden agenda of the Union government and the BJP aimed at implementing the NRC in West Bengal.
Conversely, the BJP asserts that the Trinamool Congress fears the removal of names of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants from the voter list.
The CPI(M)-led Left Front, while not fundamentally against the SIR, emphasizes that the exercise should not lead to the exclusion of legitimate voters from the electoral roll. Additionally, there have been disputes in West Bengal regarding the appointments of booth-level officers (BLOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
The last SIR conducted in West Bengal was in 2002.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that the upcoming SIR announcement by the ECI is a pivotal moment for the electoral process in India. The exercise not only aims to streamline the voter list but also highlights the underlying political tensions in states like West Bengal. It is crucial for the ECI to approach this task with transparency and fairness, ensuring the integrity of the democratic process while addressing the concerns raised by various political factions.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process conducted by the Election Commission of India to update and maintain the electoral rolls, ensuring that all eligible voters are registered.
Why is there controversy surrounding the SIR in West Bengal?
The SIR has faced opposition from the ruling Trinamool Congress, which argues that it is a tactic by the Union government and the BJP to impose the NRC in the state. Different political parties have divergent views on its implications.
When was the last SIR conducted in West Bengal?
The last Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal occurred in 2002.
What states are expected to be included in this SIR announcement?
The states likely to be included in the SIR announcement are West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, among others.
How does the SIR impact the voter list?
The SIR aims to ensure that the electoral roll is accurate and up-to-date, which can affect the inclusion or removal of voters based on eligibility.
