ECI Revises SIR Schedule for 12 States/UTs: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a revised schedule for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories, extending the key deadline for enumeration from December 4 to December 11.
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was seen on duty during a sit-in demonstration near the ECI office in Kolkata, highlighting the growing tension around the voter roll revision process in certain states, particularly West Bengal.
12 States/UTs Undergoing the SIR Exercise
The Special Intensive Revision is currently being conducted in the following states and UTs:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Chhattisgarh
- Goa
- Gujarat
- Kerala
- Lakshadweep
- Madhya Pradesh
- Puducherry
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- West Bengal
Revised SIR Schedule: Key Dates to Note
Here is the updated timeline issued by the Election Commission:
- Enumeration Period: Till December 11
- Rationalisation/Re-arrangement of Polling Stations: Till December 11
- Updation of Control Table & Preparation of Draft Roll: December 12–15
- Publication of Draft Electoral Roll: December 16
- Claims & Objections Window: December 16 – January 15
- Notice Phase: December 16 – February 7
- Health Parameter Checks of Electoral Rolls: February 10
- Final Publication of Electoral Roll: February 14
Why the SIR in West Bengal Has Become a Political Flashpoint
The SIR process in West Bengal has triggered a sharp political tussle between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Election Commission:
TMC’s Allegations
- The party has alleged bias, administrative pressure, and mismanagement in the ongoing voter roll revision.
- At a recent meeting, TMC leaders accused the ECI of offering “outright lies,” further straining relations.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised “serious concerns,” demanding ECI intervention.
- The TMC has claimed 41 deaths, including those of BLOs, supposedly linked to workload and stress—claims that the BJP has strongly rejected.
EC’s Position
- The Commission has termed certain allegations as unusual and requested clarification from the state government, including the issue of unpaid honorarium to BLOs.
Bangladeshi Returnees at Bengal Border Fuel New Political Narrative
The SIR exercise has also intersected with sensitive political issues along the India–Bangladesh border.
In Hakimpur and the Bongaon region of North 24 Parganas, officials report a noticeable rise in undocumented Bangladeshi nationals voluntarily returning to their country since early November.
- BSF estimates:
- 150–200 people are crossing back daily after verification
- Around 1,700 individuals returned between November 1 and November 20
This movement—though small—has quickly intensified the political narrative:
- BJP is linking the trend to alleged infiltration and “bogus voter cleanup.”
- TMC accuses the BJP of manufacturing a narrative to discredit West Bengal’s voter rolls.
The development comes just months before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, making the SIR exercise and border activity especially significant.
