The Election Commission began its nationwide voter list cleanup in West Bengal. As soon as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) started, political tensions escalated. The BJP welcomed the exercise. Meanwhile, the Congress and the Trinamool Congress sharply criticised it.

Rahul Gandhi Slams SIR as ‘Chaos’

Soon after the rollout, Rahul Gandhi attacked the SIR process. He called it chaos and alleged that the government was using it to “harass citizens.” He linked the initiative to the deaths of 16 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who allegedly collapsed under unbearable stress.

Rahul wrote on X, "Under the guise of SIR, chaos has been unleashed across the country - the result? In three weeks, 16 BLOs have lost their lives. Heart attacks, stress, suicides - SIR is no reform, it's an imposed tyranny."

He continued, "SIR is a calculated ploy - where citizens are being harassed and the deaths of BLOs from unnecessary pressure are dismissed as 'collateral damage.' This is not a failure, it's a conspiracy - a sacrifice of democracy to protect those in power."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge shared reports that 16 BLOs died across six states. He said the real number is “far higher than what is reported.”

Mamata Banerjee Raises Alarm Over SIR

As criticism grew, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also raised serious concerns. She wrote to the Election Commission and warned that the SIR had turned “unplanned, chaotic and dangerous” in Bengal. Mamata Banerjee said BLOs lacked proper training. She added that documentation rules were unclear. She also said BLOs struggled to meet voters during working hours.

Banerjee posted her letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on X. She urged the EC to intervene immediately.

TMC Plans Review Meeting

To respond quickly, the Trinamool Congress called an internal review meeting for November 24. General secretary Abhishek Banerjee will lead it. The party aims to assess SIR-related issues, fix gaps in multiple districts, and make sure no genuine voter is left out.

However, tensions rose further when the TMC accused the BJP of vandalising and burning an SIR assistance camp in Kalyani, Nadia district. The party posted a video and said, “A SIR assistance camp... was vandalised and set on fire... This was carried out by BJP supporters.” Police have opened an investigation.

BLO’s Death Deepens Political Storm

The death of BLO Shanti Muni Ekka intensified the political row. She allegedly took her life due to heavy pressure from SIR duties. Governor CV Ananda Bose responded cautiously.

He said, “In such a situation, it is better to avoid a knee-jerk reaction... All these issues can be examined properly and appropriate solutions found, but what is required is free and fair elections in this country."

BJP Counters Mamata’s Charge

Soon after, the BJP hit back. BJP leader Ram Kadam accused Mamata Banerjee of protecting “infiltrators.” He questioned whether she feared their names being removed from the voter list.

He said, “If Mamata Banerjee is protesting, the reason is very clear... Is Mamata Banerjee afraid of removing the names of the infiltrators who entered Bengal and whose names were forcibly registered there?”

He added, “Elections will be held with complete transparency under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi... Even she is unable to hide how she openly supported Bangladeshis and infiltrators."

SIR Continues Across 12 States and UTs

Despite the political fight, the SIR continues nationwide. The process covers 12 states and union territories. The final voter list will be released on February 7, 2026.

The exercise includes Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.