Mamata Banerjee Criticizes SIR Process, Warns Against Targeted Voter Deletions in Bengal

What she said

Mamata Banerjee said she will not tolerate the deletion of voters belonging to any particular community during the SIR process in West Bengal

She alleged that the timing and conduct of the revision—amid festival season and recent floods—are suspect and that legitimate voters, especially from vulnerable communities, could be unfairly excluded.

She raised concerns that the process is being used as a “back-door” route for a National Register of Citizens-like outcome in Bengal, targeting certain sections of society.

Why it matters

The SIR is meant to update and clean electoral rolls, but the allegation is that it could be misused to disenfranchise specific communities, which would raise serious questions about fairness and inclusivity in the electoral process.

West Bengal is politically highly significant (with assembly elections approaching), and voter list revision controversies can influence electoral dynamics and trust in the process.

Timing is a big part of Mamata’s critique: floods in parts of the state and major festivals mean many citizens may face difficulties in submitting required documentation. She argues the process should be inclusive and sensitive to ground realities.

09 Oct, 2025

Sources

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