Bengal SIR Hearings Spark Controversy

In West Bengal, a process called Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is happening to check and update the voter list.

This process has caused a lot of trouble for elderly, disabled, and daily wage earners.

Many of them have to travel long distances, lose their wages, and face physical distress just to prove they are legitimate voters.

Some people, like an 87-year-old woman and a man with 80% disability, had to go through a lot of hardship.

The ruling party says this process might stop genuine voters from voting, while the opposition party says it's necessary for a clean voter list.

The Election Commission has also asked some famous people, like actor Deepak Adhikari and cricketer Mohammad Shami, to prove their citizenship.

The Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has criticized the process and plans to go to court against it.

The Election Commission and the BJP say the process is routine and necessary for accurate voter lists.