Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Trinamool Questions EC Over SIR Process
The Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is questioning the Election Commission (EC) about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
They say the process is unfair and might be rigged because of software issues.
The Supreme Court has told the EC to be more transparent and allow people to bring proof of their age.
Some people in West Bengal are upset because they have to travel far to attend hearings, which costs them money.
There was even a fight at a government office where people were protesting.
The EC is sending special observers to make sure everything is fair.
A small tribe called the Totos is also affected because they have to leave their jobs to attend these hearings.
Trinamool Congress MPs allege that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a form of software-intensive rigging.
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission (EC) to publicize the names of voters with logical discrepancies and allow booth-level agents to accompany voters during hearings.
Violence erupted in Sandeshkhali, North 24-Parganas, during SIR hearings, with a mob ransacking a block development office.
The EC has sent special roll observers to 10 districts in West Bengal to monitor the SIR process.
Members of the Toto tribe in Alipurduar district are facing financial losses as they have to travel from their workplaces to attend SIR hearings.
- Who
- Trinamool Congress MPs, Election Commission of India, Supreme Court, Voters in West Bengal, Toto Tribe
- What
- Controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, including allegations of software-intensive rigging and violence during hearings.
- When
- The events took place on Tuesday, with the Supreme Court's directive on Monday.
- Where
- West Bengal, particularly in districts like North 24-Parganas, Alipurduar, and others.
- Why
- The SIR process aims to revise electoral rolls, but allegations of discrepancies and harassment have led to controversy.
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
- An ongoing exercise to revise electoral rolls in West Bengal and 11 other states.
- Logical Discrepancy
- A category in SIR that includes discrepancies like different names of parents or unusual age differences between parents and children.
- Supreme Court Directive
- The Supreme Court directed the EC to publicize the names of voters with logical discrepancies and allow booth-level agents to accompany voters during hearings.
- Violence in Sandeshkhali
- A mob ransacked a block development office in Sandeshkhali, North 24-Parganas, during SIR hearings.
- EC Observers
- The EC has sent special roll observers to 10 districts in West Bengal to monitor the SIR process.
- Toto Tribe
- A small tribe in West Bengal facing financial losses due to SIR hearings, as members have to travel from their workplaces to attend hearings.
Sources
TMC mocks ‘software intensive rigging’, questions EC over SIR ‘logical discrepancy’ filter
‘Who will compensate me?’: For West Bengal’s smallest tribe, SIR hearings come at a cost
Mob strikes Sandeshkhali hearings: Villagers allege misbehaviour and tech snag at BDO office
Election Commission sends observers to 10 Bengal districts to monitor SIR process - Telegraph India
300 minority community voters protest against Form
