What Are the Reactions to the SIR Exercise Order from Political Parties in Bengal?
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Synopsis
Kolkata witnesses varied responses from political leaders regarding the ECI's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Trinamool Congress threatens protests, while the BJP decries potential voter manipulation. As calls for political dialogue grow, the integrity of the electoral process remains a hot topic.
Key Takeaways
- Announcement of SIR by the ECI for 12 states.
- Trinamool Congress threatens mass protests over deletions.
- BJP warns against voter manipulation.
- Calls for political dialogue grow amid concerns.
- Integrity of the electoral process remains a hot topic.
Kolkata, Oct 27 (NationPress) The declaration by the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 Indian states, including West Bengal, has received a diverse range of reactions from various political leaders within the state.
The Trinamool Congress has warned of organizing a significant protest outside the ECI office should even a single legitimate voter's name be removed from the rolls.
“While we advocate for a flawless voters’ list, any deletion of a genuine voter's name as a result of the SIR will prompt a protest involving 100,000 individuals outside the ECI. Nevertheless, I urge the residents of West Bengal to avoid falling prey to provocations, and any irregularity found within the SIR will be contested through legal channels,” stated Kunal Ghosh, the state general secretary of the Trinamool Congress.
As of the time of this report, there has been no statement from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress.
The president of the BJP's West Bengal unit and Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya commented that the SIR serves not only to include eligible voters but also to safeguard the democratic framework.
“Regrettably, the Trinamool Congress is manipulating this process for its political gain. There is a concerted effort to include names of Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in the voter list, while the ruling party is intentionally excluding genuine Indian citizens' names, particularly Hindu refugees and ordinary voters, to sustain its artificial vote bank,” Bhattacharya asserted.
State Congress president Suvankar Sarkar criticized the ECI for failing to consult with political factions.
“It is disappointing that the ECI has announced the SIR dates without addressing the longstanding request from Congress for an all-party meeting with all recognized parties before the announcement. What the Election Commission aims to establish is not conducive to the democracy of the nation,” Sarkar stated.
CPI-M Politburo member and state secretary Md Salim remarked that the ECI has acknowledged the errors in the current electoral rolls.
“Have they been complacent all these years? We have been insisting for years that the names of deceased individuals should be eliminated,” Salim expressed.
Point of View
It is imperative to emphasize that the ongoing discourse around the SIR exercise showcases the multifaceted nature of Indian politics. The mixed reactions underline the need for transparency and dialogue among political parties and the Election Commission to ensure the integrity of our democratic processes. It is crucial for all stakeholders to work collaboratively for the greater good.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIR exercise announced by the ECI?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process initiated by the Election Commission of India to update and correct electoral rolls across various states, aiming for an accurate and error-free voters' list.
Why are political parties reacting strongly to the SIR?
Political parties are concerned about the implications of the SIR, especially regarding the potential removal of genuine voters' names, which they believe could affect their electoral prospects and the integrity of the democratic process.
