West Bengal BJP leader Rahul Sinha has reignited the political debate over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), asserting that both initiatives are essential for voter list purification and national security. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata on October 10, 2025, Sinha hit back at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for opposing the SIR process, accusing her of “sheltering Bangladeshi infiltrators and manipulating voter lists for political gain.”
“Let the SIR happen first, then NRC will happen. CM, rest assured, the SIR is not being done to delete the names of genuine voters,” Sinha said, adding that the BJP government is committed to ensuring transparency and legality in the voter verification process.
🧠 What Is SIR and Why It Matters
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a targeted exercise by the Election Commission of India to update and verify electoral rolls, especially in border districts and urban clusters with high migration rates. It includes:
- Door-to-door verification
- Removal of deceased or duplicate entries
- Inclusion of eligible new voters
- Scrutiny of suspected illegal entries
| SIR Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Voter List Purification | Remove fake, deceased, or duplicate entries |
| Border District Focus | Target areas with high infiltration risk |
| Electoral Integrity | Ensure fair and legal voter representation |
| Foundation for NRC | Data base for future NRC implementation |
Sinha emphasized that the SIR is not politically motivated and is being conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission, not the BJP.
📊 NRC in Bengal: Political Flashpoint
The National Register of Citizens (NRC), which was previously implemented in Assam, aims to identify undocumented immigrants and ensure citizenship verification. While the NRC has not yet been rolled out in West Bengal, Sinha reiterated that it is “inevitable and necessary.”
| NRC Status in Bengal | Current Phase | Political Position |
|---|---|---|
| Not Yet Implemented | Awaiting EC and Centre nod | BJP supports, TMC opposes |
| Legal Framework | Passed by Parliament | Under review for Bengal |
| Public Sentiment | Divided | Protests and support rallies |
Sinha accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of “spreading confusion” and “fearmongering” among minority communities, claiming that genuine Indian citizens have nothing to worry about.
🗣️ Rahul Sinha’s Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee
Sinha alleged that Mamata Banerjee’s opposition to SIR and NRC stems from her party’s reliance on “illegal votes” and “Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators.” He claimed that:
- Names of deceased individuals remain on voter rolls
- Rohingya Muslims have been added illegally
- Bangladeshi infiltrators are being sheltered for vote bank politics
| Allegation Type | BJP Claim |
|---|---|
| Voter List Manipulation | Fake entries and illegal additions |
| Infiltrator Protection | Political shelter for non-citizens |
| Electoral Fraud | TMC wins through compromised voter rolls |
Sinha warned that once the SIR is completed, the NRC will follow, and “truth will prevail.”
🧾 Mamata Banerjee’s Response
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly opposed both SIR and NRC, calling them “tools of exclusion” and “attempts to divide Bengal.” She has accused the BJP of targeting minorities and creating unrest.
| Mamata’s Stand | Statement Highlights |
|---|---|
| Against NRC | “We will not allow NRC in Bengal.” |
| Against SIR | “It’s a ploy to delete minority voters.” |
| On BJP Allegations | “Baseless and communal propaganda.” |
Banerjee has urged citizens to remain calm and assured that the state government will protect all legal residents.
🧭 What Happens Next?
- SIR Completion Deadline: November 30, 2025
- NRC Review Meeting: Scheduled for December 2025
- Public Hearings: EC to hold district-level consultations
- Legal Challenges: TMC may move court against NRC rollout
The political battle over voter identity and citizenship is expected to intensify ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified political statements, Election Commission updates, and public records as of October 11, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute legal advice, political endorsement, or electoral prediction and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
