Before the implementation of the special intensive revision (SIR) process of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, a major political confrontation over it has already begun. While the deputy election commissioner and senior Election Commission officials are holding meetings in the state, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a strong protest against the SIR, targeting chief electoral officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal and warning that a large-scale movement will soon take place.
Mamata alleged that “SIR is just the front, and NRC is behind it". On the other hand, leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed that under the SIR process, 1 crore names could be deleted from the voter list. He has also written to the Election Commission, urging action against Mamata Banerjee for allegedly intimidating officials.
Over the past two days, the deputy election commissioner and senior EC officials have held extensive meetings with district election officers, electoral registration officers (EROs), and booth-level officers (BLOs) to take a final stock of the situation. According to sources, the key message from these meetings is clear—any irregularities will not be tolerated, and the SIR could be implemented at any moment.
The SIR process, expected to begin soon, has effectively set the stage for Bengal’s political battle ahead of the 2026 elections. The confrontation over its implementation has already escalated into a full-blown war of words.
Continuing her criticism, Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Agarwal on Thursday. She said, “There are several complaints against the CEO of West Bengal himself, which I will reveal at the right time. But I hope he does not overreact. He has been threatening many officers."
Calling the SIR process “a fraud", Mamata alleged that it excludes the public and the state government, while a handful of officers are being called for meetings. “Under the guise of SIR, there is an attempt to delete genuine voters. How can the Assam government send notifications to voters in Bengal?" she asked, condemning the process as “a conspiracy to implement NRC". She warned that the BJP was “playing with fire".
Her remarks made it evident that the Trinamool Congress is preparing for a larger campaign against the SIR, with the possibility of widespread unrest. Even as top EC officials were holding their meetings, small groups began protesting under various banners, and experts say such demonstrations are likely to intensify following Mamata Banerjee’s statements.
The BJP has strongly reacted to Mamata’s comments. Suvendu Adhikari urged the Election Commission to take strict action against her, stating, “I urge the Election Commission of India to take immediate cognisance of this matter and initiate stringent action against Mamata Banerjee for her repeated attempts to undermine the democratic process and intimidate constitutional officers. Furthermore, I request that Central Security be provided to the CEO at his office and residence to ensure his safety, given the clear and present danger posed by these threats in a state where lawlessness prevails."
BJP IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya also criticised the chief minister, alleging that she “crossed all limits of political and constitutional propriety" by threatening unrest over the potential implementation of the Special Industrial Regions (SIR) scheme in the state.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya also hit back. “She is an experienced politician who understands what’s happening on the ground. It is her fear that is making her say all this," he said.
With these escalating exchanges, it is now clear that before the electoral battle of 2026, Bengal will first witness a fierce political war over the SIR.
