Hundreds of individuals, reportedly Bangladeshi migrants, have fled their homes in West Bengal and returned to Bangladesh following the commencement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. These migrants, many of whom allegedly possess Indian identification documents like Aadhaar and Voter IDs, fear that the ongoing revision process might be a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), potentially leading to their deportation. The exodus has been particularly noted in areas like Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas, close to Kolkata.
In response to the escalating situation and widespread panic, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has formally written to the Election Commission of India. She expressed grave concerns regarding the SIR, describing it as “unplanned, chaotic and dangerous.” Her letter highlights significant issues including inadequate training for officials, a lack of clarity on required documentation, and the practical difficulties for voters to participate while managing their livelihoods.
The Chief Minister’s communication to the Chief Election Commissioner detailed that the entire exercise suffers from “critical gaps in training, lack of clarity on mandatory documentation and the near-impossibility of meeting voters in the midst of their livelihood schedules,” rendering the process “structurally unsound.”
Banerjee further elaborated on the immense pressure faced by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Many BLOs, who often hold primary jobs as teachers or frontline workers, are struggling with the dual responsibility of their regular duties, door-to-door surveys, and complex online data entry. Server issues, repeated data mismatches, and insufficient training are reportedly pushing BLOs to their limits, jeopardizing the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll.
The Chief Minister warned that the flaws in the SIR could lead to the disenfranchisement of genuine voters and undermine the democratic process. She also pointed out the unfortunate timing of the revision, coinciding with peak agricultural seasons for both paddy harvest and Rabi sowing, making it difficult for farmers and labourers to engage. The situation has been further exacerbated by reports of the death of a BLO allegedly due to SIR-related pressure, underscoring the severe human cost of the current methodology. Banerjee has urged the Election Commission to intervene, halt the current process, and reassess the methodology and timelines to safeguard electoral integrity.