The upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list has become the latest point of focus in West Bengal’s political landscape, with Bharatiya Janata Party state president Samik Bhattacharya directing party workers to ensure the process is conducted meticulously. According to party sources, Bhattacharya has recently instructed leaders and workers to treat the SIR process as a top priority. In a meeting regarding voter list management, he reportedly told workers that any negligence in this task could cost the party heavily in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Emphasising the importance of vigilance, Bhattacharya said, “This work should not be thought of as five other works. Negligence in SIR means losing the vote in 2026. Then Trinamool Congress (TMC) will not only take over the votes, but also your party office.”
The BJP has launched a state-wide campaign to monitor the revision process closely. “Party leaders are visiting booth levels to train workers on checking and verifying voter lists, while the training of BLA-2 (Booth Level Agents) is underway across districts. The focus is on identifying new inclusions and ensuring that the lists accurately reflect legitimate voters,” said a senior BJP leader.
Explaining the significance of the SIR, the leader said, “The SIR means going through the voter list, finding out who should be there and who is not. If this work is not done properly, someone else may enter the list— and that means a lost vote.”
Bhattacharya also warned against complacency, saying, “You should not think of these things sitting at home in air-conditioned rooms. Then maybe no one will come even if you call a virtual meeting.” His remarks underline the BJP’s urgency to strengthen ground-level engagement ahead of the elections.
Another BJP leader pointed out that the outcome of the SIR exercise could directly influence the party’s performance. “If the SIR work is at least 80 per cent successful, then it is possible to defeat Trinamool. Otherwise, even if central forces are brought in, nothing will happen,” he said.
BJP leaders have expressed concerns over an unusual rise in voter numbers across 258 of Bengal’s 294 constituencies. They cited areas like Rajarhat–Newtown, where voters have reportedly increased by about 74 pc and Baruipur East, Sonarpur North and Canning East, which have also seen sharp spikes.
The BJP suspects irregularities, alleging that Bangladeshi infiltrators might have been added to voter lists in border and suburban areas. The TMC, however, has dismissed the allegations, stating that the increase is due to new housing developments and population growth.
A TMC leader said, “A lot of new flats have been built in Newtown; naturally, people have come and voters have increased.” The BJP, however, continues to argue that such a sharp rise — particularly 74 percent — is far from normal.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that voter numbers have decreased in three constituencies in Kolkata— Bhavanipur, Rashbihari and Jorasanko, with the highest drop seen in Jorasanko.
The BJP maintains that ensuring an accurate voter list is crucial for safeguarding democracy. “If the voter list is wrong, the foundation of voting and the democratic struggle will be destroyed,” a senior leader said.
With the SIR process underway, Bhattacharya’s firm directive has made it clear that the party will leave no stone unturned in securing electoral accuracy ahead of 2026.
Also read: Three murder accused from Rajasthan held in Kolkata
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