West Bengal's SIR controversy: Electoral roll deletions and political fallout
West Bengal is embroiled in a major controversy over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR, aimed at cleaning up rolls by removing duplicate, migrated, and deceased voters, led to over 63 lakh name deletions and 1.20 crore names with logical discrepancies. The Supreme Court intervened due to a "trust deficit" between the ECI and the Trinamool Congress government, deploying judicial officers to hear 'under adjudication' cases. While 27 lakh names were cleared, others remain in limbo, unlikely to vote in upcoming Assembly polls. The Trinamool accuses the ECI of political bias, while civil society groups allege deliberate targeting of Muslim and women voters.
Key Points
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has become a significant controversy.
- Over 63 lakh names were deleted, and 1.20 crore names had logical discrepancies, leading to a "trust deficit" between ECI and the state government.
- The Supreme Court intervened, deploying judicial officers to adjudicate disputed cases, clearing 27 lakh names.
- The Trinamool Congress alleges political motivation, accusing the ECI of playing the BJP's game.
- Civil society activists claim the SIR process disproportionately targeted Muslim and women voters in specific districts.
Exam Facts
- Process: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- State: West Bengal
- Total names deleted from pre-SIR 2025 list: 90.8 lakh
- Number of eligible voters in Bengal: 6.77 crore
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