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In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in West Bengal, the state’s upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has become the center of a fierce controversy, with accusations of deliberate misinformation campaigns and fear-mongering tactics.
The revision process, scheduled to begin November 4 with Block Level Officers (BLOs) conducting house-to-house visits, has been overshadowed by claims that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is equating the routine electoral exercise with the contentious National Register of Citizens (NRC) implementation.
Opposition parties, including the BJP, Congress, and CPI-M, have united in condemning what they describe as a calculated strategy by the TMC to intimidate voters ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. They argue that instead of promoting voter awareness about the importance of the electoral roll revision, the ruling party is creating unnecessary panic among citizens.
The controversy intensified following the circulation of a video allegedly released by a leader of the Trinamool’s trade union wing, INTTUC. In the unverified footage, the leader purportedly warns citizens that those whose names are removed from voter lists after the revision would be sent to detention camps. The video also allegedly instructs party workers to “create fear among women and ask them not to fill any voter-related forms.”
In a significant development, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, are planning to lead street protests in Kolkata on November 4 against the SIR exercise – the same day the revision process is set to begin.
The political fallout has been swift and severe. BJP leader and councillor Sajal Ghosh directly blamed the Chief Minister and her nephew for the campaign, stating, “This wrong campaign has been started by Bhaipo and Pishi (nephew and aunt). You are intimidating people of the state. Then, if someone dies, it is the responsibility of the Trinamool Congress.”
Ghosh’s reference to potential casualties isn’t hypothetical – a 57-year-old man from North 24 Parganas district’s Panihati reportedly committed suicide over NRC fears just one day after the SIR was announced.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury drew parallels to previous electoral strategies, saying, “This narrative against SIR and campaigning is not new. In 2021, Mamata Banerjee put the NRC issue in the forefront and intimidated the minority community. The minority votebank, intimidated by the NRC, voted for her en-bloc.”
He further alleged that the current campaign specifically targets women voters: “Now, women are being intimidated as she wants the women vote bank in her favor to win the 2026 elections. To bring the women vote bank to Trinamool, Lakshmir Bhandar money will be given.”
CPI-M leader Sujan Chakraborty emphasized that the priority should be protecting voters’ rights and eliminating ineligible voters from the rolls. “This is not the time to create panic among the people. Trinamool is intimidating people,” he said, noting that his party is conducting awareness campaigns about the SIR process.
The controversy has taken an additional dimension with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claiming that “at least 20-30% Bangladeshi Muslims were leaving” the state. According to Adhikari, “Bordering areas and villages are empty. In the outskirts of Kolkata’s New Town, people are not getting maids as Bangladeshis have fled.”
The Electoral Commission of India now faces mounting pressure to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign through various media channels to clarify the purpose of the SIR exercise and counteract misinformation.
As the November 4 deadline approaches, the political standoff threatens to undermine a critical democratic process designed to ensure accurate electoral rolls – potentially affecting citizen participation and the integrity of future elections in West Bengal.
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14 Comments
It’s concerning to see allegations of political intimidation and misinformation tactics. Voters should be able to participate in the electoral process without fear or undue influence.
Absolutely. The authorities must investigate these claims thoroughly and take appropriate action to protect the rights of citizens and the integrity of elections.
This dispute highlights the importance of an independent, impartial electoral commission to oversee the revision process and address any allegations of wrongdoing. Maintaining public trust in the system is crucial.
Absolutely. The authorities must prioritize the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all citizens can freely and safely participate in the democratic exercise.
The timing of this controversy, ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, raises questions about the motivations behind the alleged misinformation campaign. Transparency and accountability are needed to ensure a fair process.
I agree. The electoral process should be free from political manipulation, and voters should have access to accurate information to make informed choices.
The alleged misinformation campaign is troubling if true. Voters deserve accurate information to make informed decisions. Transparency and accountability are vital for credible elections.
Absolutely. Any attempts to mislead or intimidate voters should be swiftly addressed by the authorities. The integrity of the electoral process must be protected.
Interesting development in West Bengal politics. The controversy over the electoral roll revision and alleged misinformation tactics is concerning. It’s important to have a fair and transparent process to maintain the integrity of the electoral system.
I agree, any attempts to intimidate or mislead voters are unacceptable in a democracy. The authorities should ensure the revision is conducted in an impartial manner.
This controversy highlights the importance of robust electoral safeguards and independent oversight. The authorities need to ensure a fair, inclusive and secure revision process.
I agree. Maintaining public trust in the electoral system is crucial for the health of India’s democracy. All parties should cooperate to uphold democratic principles.
This seems like a politically charged issue, with both sides making accusations. I hope the investigation can get to the bottom of what’s really going on and ensure the electoral process is not compromised.
Yes, it’s crucial that the facts are established objectively, without partisan influence. Voter confidence in the system must be maintained.