Election Commission Grants One-Week Extension for SIR
The Election Commission (EC) announced a significant decision on Sunday, extending the deadline for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by one week. This move has triggered a wave of mixed reactions from the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) on the ground and sparked a political firestorm in West Bengal.
BLOs Welcome Relief but Highlight Ongoing Challenges
For many BLOs, the extension came as a much-needed respite from immense work pressure. An anonymous BLO from North 24 Parganas expressed relief, stating, "I was unwell and felt that if there was some extension, it would be of great help. Most of my work is complete, but now that I have seven more days it is quite a relief."
However, a substantial section of BLOs remains critical, arguing that a mere seven-day extension is a band-aid solution for a much larger problem. Tanusree Modak Bhattacharya, a BLO protesting outside the state Chief Electoral Office, called it a "preliminary victory" but not a solution. "The SIR work requires two years, and they have given us just seven more days. We don't see this as a solution," she asserted.
BLOs have consistently highlighted systemic issues plaguing the process. They complain that digitising voter information is extremely time-consuming and is hampered by a severe lack of necessary infrastructure, including unreliable internet connectivity. These bottlenecks have caused significant delays in the distribution and collection of enumeration forms. One BLO, who is also a school teacher, pointed out the near-impossibility of managing the SIR workload alongside a full-time job.
The protest by the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee, which has been staging a dharna outside the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer’s office since November 25, underscores the gravity of the situation. A BLO involved in the protest appealed for a more humane approach from the EC, citing that the immense pressure has led to colleagues falling sick.
Political Parties Clash Over EC's Decision
The deadline extension has become a new flashpoint in West Bengal's political arena. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), along with the CPI(M) and the Congress, have slammed the move as "inadequate."
TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty launched a sharp attack, accusing the Election Commission of acting at the behest of the BJP. "This move is because the target set by the BJP for the Commission was not met. By issuing this directive, the EC has once again proved that it is working for the BJP," he claimed, confidently adding that the people's mandate would bring the TMC back to the state secretariat, Nabanna.
Echoing the sentiment, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim questioned the EC's planning and capability. "The EC has no understanding of ground reality. That is why they had to change their stance. This directive proves again that the EC lacks both planning and capability," he stated.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was equally critical, labelling the Commission as "paper tigers" for failing to anticipate the challenges of conducting the SIR in a complex state like West Bengal within a short timeframe.
In contrast, the BJP welcomed the EC's decision. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar supported the extension and suggested it should be extended further if needed. In a sarcastic remark targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said, "Mamata Banerjee had said that it would take two years to implement the SIR. So, two years should be given... and the SIR, election, whatever needs to be done, should be done." He also took a dig at the CM, referring to her as "Pishi" and asserting that the EC, not her, would oversee the electoral process.
The extended deadline for submitting SIR enumeration forms is now December 11. The draft electoral roll is scheduled for publication on December 16, with the final roll expected to be released on February 14, 2026.
