Archive · 30 Nov 2025
Chhattisgarh Tightens SIR Scrutiny, Congress Flags Alarm
The government of Chhattisgarh, led by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, plans to use the Foreigners Act and parts of the Citizenship Act to deal with people living in the state illegally.
After a survey called the SIR exercise, they will go door-to-door to check who lives where and if they have the right papers.
People who can't prove they are legal residents might face legal action.
The goal is to ensure that only those who can prove their legal identity can stay in Chhattisgarh.
The Congress party and other opposition parties argue that this exercise is creating unnecessary alarm and intimidating citizens.
The Election Commission has extended the deadline for submitting enumeration forms in the SIR exercise to December 11, with the draft roll to be published on December 16 and the final roll on February 14, 2026.
The BJP supports the exercise, while opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) accuse the Election Commission of helping the BJP by extending the deadline.
Chhattisgarh plans to invoke the Foreigners Act and Citizenship Act against illegal settlers.
A house-to-house survey will be conducted after the SIR exercise to identify and categorize residents.
Legal action will be taken against those found living with 'doubtful background' or as 'illegal immigrants'.
The state will no longer be home for those who fail to prove their legal identity.
The SIR exercise is described as non-negotiable by the Deputy Chief Minister.
- Who
- Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Congress communication chief Sushil Anand Shukla, Election Commission, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M), BJP
- What
- Chhattisgarh government's plan to invoke the Foreigners Act and Citizenship Act against illegal settlers, extension of SIR form submission deadline, political reactions to the SIR exercise
- When
- After the completion of the first phase of the SIR exercise, deadline extended to December 11, draft roll to be published on December 16, final roll on February 14, 2026
- Where
- Chhattisgarh, India, West Bengal, 12 states and UTs
- Why
- To identify and take legal action against those living with 'doubtful background' or as 'illegal immigrants', to ensure accuracy in electoral rolls, to prevent inaccuracies in the rolls, political reactions to the SIR exercise
Government and BJP
Congress and Opposition Parties
Purpose of SIR Exercise
Government and BJP
The government and BJP view the SIR exercise as necessary to ensure accuracy in electoral rolls and prevent inaccuracies.
Congress and Opposition Parties
Congress and opposition parties argue that the exercise is creating unnecessary alarm and intimidating citizens.
Impact on Citizens
Government and BJP
The government maintains that the exercise is routine and aims to establish documentary coherence.
Congress and Opposition Parties
Congress and opposition parties believe the exercise is placing additional burdens on citizens and may exclude genuine voters.
- State
- Chhattisgarh
- Official
- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma
- Acts to be invoked
- Foreigners Act, Citizenship Act
- Survey type
- House-to-house survey
- Purpose
- Identify and take legal action against illegal settlers
- Deadline Extension
- December 11
- Draft Roll Publication
- December 16
- Final Roll Publication
- February 14, 2026
Sources
Chhattisgarh To Invoke Foreigners Act, Provisions Of Citizenship Act After Sir Exercise: Dy CM
Trinamool accuses ECI of 'helping' BJP by extending SIR deadline
Chhattisgarh tightens SIR scrutiny, Congress flags unnecessary alarm over verification rules
