The SIR conundrum in West Bengal Premium
The Hindu
Explore the implications of West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on electoral rolls and the political landscape ahead of elections.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal has finally ended barring a judicial adjudication of about 60 lakh electors as per the directions of the Supreme Court on February 20, 2026.
The electorate of West Bengal stood at 7.04 crore on February 28, 2026, reduced by 8.09% since the start of the revision process on October 27, 2025, when the number of voters in the State was 7.66 crore. Names of some more electors will be struck off the electoral rolls after the 501 judicial officers complete the process of adjudication, but for the people of West Bengal the process seems to be finally over.
For almost four months, the administration of West Bengal was on tenterhooks, trying to revise and update the electoral rolls. It took more than five lakh government officials including 80,681 BLOs (booth level officers) for each polling booth in the State to complete the process.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the main objective of the SIR is to ensure inclusion of eligible electors and exclusion of those ineligible.
An updated and revised electoral roll forms the basis of elections in a democracy. The process was long due in West Bengal. So, the intent of poll body in updating and revising the voter list cannot be criticised, but the commission floundered in the manner the exercise was carried out over four months.
There was a rush to complete the process before the announcement for Assembly polls in West Bengal. This put not only officials involved in the process under huge stress but made the electorate of the State suffer. Millions of people, including the ailing elderly, were made to queue up at poorly organised SIR camps. There was little clarity on the grounds on which notices were being issued to voters to appear at the camps and what documents were required to prove someone as a legitimate voter.
Rajya Sabha election LIVE: Follow the Hindu's LIVE updates as candidates file nomination papers on March 5, 2026, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.
Explore H. Ramesh Babu's comprehensive biography reclaiming H.M. Reddy's pivotal role in Telugu cinema's transition to sound.
Revanth Reddy strengthens his influence within Congress in Telangana with Rajya Sabha nominations of Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vem Narender Reddy.
Indulge in North Indian classics at Lazeez Affaire, Hyderabad, featuring a seasonal Ramzan menu.
Tensions rise as ships anchor in the Gulf following a missile attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
Karnataka plans check dams in Vijayapura for water conservation and groundwater recharge, alongside Doni river dredging proposal.
The family of a Florida man who took his own life filed suit against Google on Wednesday, alleging the company's Gemini AI chatbot spent weeks manufacturing an elaborate delusional fantasy before aiding him in his suicide.
Karnataka MLAs urge CM to divide Belagavi district for better administration, says Minister Satish Jarkiholi who highlights the long-standing demand.
Ankita Raina and Zeel Desai advance in the ITF W35 Kalaburagi, while local star Soha Sadiq exits despite impressive start.
At the heart of Tamil Nadu’s successes in healthcare lies a dedicated public health system — a wide, well-distributed network of primary health centres
Kochi Comic Con's inaugural event unites over 100 cosplayers, showcasing vibrant pop culture with 20,000 enthusiastic attendees.
Arsenal tightens Premier League lead as Chelsea thrives and Man United faces defeat; top-five race intensifies.
As war and uncertainty grip Iran, three books — each from a different moment in the country’s history — revisit the Shah’s fall, the rise of the Islamic Republic, and the women-led uprising that challenged power in Tehran.