Archive · 17 Jan 2026
BJP and TMC clash over SIR process in West Bengal
The BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal are arguing about a process called SIR, which checks voter lists.
The BJP says the TMC is causing violence and wants the Election Commission to take action.
The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, says the Election Commission is unfairly targeting minority voters and removing their names from the voter list.
The BJP also wants the Election Commission to make it easier for people to submit forms to remove names of voters who have died, moved, or are duplicates.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting West Bengal to address political rallies and attend government programs, which is seen as significant ahead of the upcoming elections.
BJP accuses Trinamool Congress of orchestrating vandalism at BDO offices in West Bengal during SIR hearings.
Incidents occurred in Farakka (Murshidabad) on January 14 and Chakulia (North Dinajpur) on January 15.
TMC claims ECI is deliberately targeting minority voters for deletion, with around 90,000 voters in Malda district affected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit West Bengal on January 17-18, addressing rallies in Malda and Singur.
Deadline for submitting Form-7 applications extended to January 19 for five states and two union territories.
- Who
- BJP, Trinamool Congress, Election Commission of India (ECI), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
- What
- Clash over SIR process, allegations of voter targeting, PM Modi's visit to West Bengal
- When
- January 14-15 (incidents), January 17-18 (PM Modi's visit), January 19 (deadline extension)
- Where
- Farakka (Murshidabad), Chakulia (North Dinajpur), Malda, Beldanga, Singur, West Bengal
- Why
- BJP accuses Trinamool Congress of orchestrating violence and aims to ensure genuine Form-7 applications are submitted; TMC accuses ECI of targeting minority voters
Trinamool Congress
BJP
Responsibility for violence
Trinamool Congress
Trinamool leaders support protesters, blame Election Commission for harassment.
BJP
BJP accuses Trinamool leaders and followers of orchestrating the vandalism.
SIR process handling
Trinamool Congress
Trinamool leaders claim harassment by officials during SIR hearings.
BJP
BJP demands smooth submission of Form-7 applications and questions the SIR process's justification.
Targeting of voters
Trinamool Congress
ECI is deliberately targeting minority voters for deletion.
BJP
No direct statement, but BJP supports the SIR process.
- Date of Incidents
- January 14-15
- Locations
- Farakka (Murshidabad), Chakulia (North Dinajpur), Malda, Beldanga, Singur
- Extended Deadline
- January 19 (for Rajasthan, Goa, West Bengal, Lakshadweep, Puducherry)
- BJP's Demand
- Decisive action from ECI and smooth submission of Form-7 applications
- BJP's Accusation
- Trinamool Congress involved in planned acts of destruction
- BJP's Suggestion
- Chief Election Commissioner to review the situation in West Bengal
- Mamata's Accusation
- ECI targeting minority voters for deletion
- PM Modi's Visit
- January 17-18, Malda and Singur
Sources
From tensions to violence: SIR hearings spark protests, arson in North Dinajpur - Telegraph India
Violence at Goalpokhar BDO office during hearing, ECI orders probe
Bengal SIR: BJP urges ECI to act firmly on BDO office vandalism cases
BJP using SIR to omit Bengali voters’ names: Abhishek
Ahead Of PM Modi's WB Tour, Didi Attacks EC, BJP On SIR, Riots
At ransacked Chakulia BDO office in West Bengal, uncertainty over SIR hearings and simmering tension
Modi on 2-day visit to Bengal amid raging SIR, ED raid rows
Mamata accuses ECI of ‘singling out’ minority voters
Abhishek warns BJP on Form-7, instructs party workers to protest at ERO offices
