West Bengal's SIR Hearings Witness Unusual Presence of Spiritual Figures
As the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls continues across West Bengal, an unexpected demographic has joined the queues alongside ordinary citizens, ministers, sportspersons, and movie stars. Sadhus and monks, who have traditionally renounced worldly attachments, are now appearing in significant numbers at hearing centers throughout the state to resolve discrepancies in their voter documents.
Spiritual Organizations Respond to Election Commission Notices
While many seers from various Maths and Missions typically abstain from voting, they have responded proactively to the EC's notices. Their motivation stems from practical considerations, particularly the need to maintain accurate electoral records to avoid complications during international travel and visa applications. Prominent Hindu organizations headquartered in Bengal, including Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) and ISKCON, have seen numerous members participate in these hearings.
Bharat Sevashram Sangha monks have encountered specific documentation challenges. According to a BSS insider, several monks listed their organization's founder, Acharya Swami Pranavananda, as their father's name, creating mismatches that required resolution through the SIR process.
Organization Leaders Address Technical Challenges
BSS General Secretary Swami Biswatmananda explained the situation: "Some of our monks have been called for hearings due to technical issues, but these are not problems. SIR is documentation that all Indian citizens must complete. They are requesting documents as part of an exercise everyone must undergo. There have been some misinterpretations."
He noted that Booth Level Officers visited the BSS headquarters in Kolkata's Ballygunge area twice to assist with document clarification. Other BSS members reported minimal difficulties:
- Swami Dibyananda stated he resolved a minor name technicality by submitting affidavits for name change, original address, and current address documents.
- Swami Vimukhtanandaji emphasized that proper documentation submitted during BSS initiation facilitated smooth SIR compliance.
ISKCON's Perspective on Spiritual Documentation
ISKCON Kolkata Vice-President Radharamn Das acknowledged the SIR's importance for electoral roll integrity while noting that most devotees have managed to submit required documents without major difficulties. However, he highlighted unique challenges for renunciates:
"After diksha or sanyas, names change according to Sanatana Dharma tradition. Many write their spiritual master's name instead of their father's name, understanding sanyas as spiritual rebirth and renunciation of previous identity. The EC might consider special provisions so genuine renunciates don't face procedural hurdles while maintaining electoral accuracy."
Individual ISKCON members shared their experiences:
- Vishal Laxiramka, originally from Jharkhand but living in Kolkata for 15 years as a brahmachari, received a notice due to exclusion from the 2002 SIR. He submitted passport copies and parental information to establish nationality.
- Rabindradas Adhikari, residing in Kolkata since 2001, reported that ISKCON's thorough documentation requirements during initiation helped members prepare for SIR hearings.
Broader Electoral Context in West Bengal
The SIR process has identified substantial documentation issues across the state. More than 1.16 crore voters were flagged for "logical discrepancies" after the first round, requiring hearings to prove eligibility. The EC's schedule for notices and hearings in Bengal ran from December 16, 2025 to February 7, 2026, with final rolls published on February 14.
This comprehensive revision began in October last year across Bengal and eight other states plus three Union Territories. The draft rolls published on December 16 already removed 58 lakh names that Booth Level Officers marked as deceased, relocated, or enrolled in multiple locations.
While most spiritual practitioners have navigated the process successfully, some monks without proper documentation have reportedly faced challenges. The widespread participation of these traditionally detached figures underscores the SIR's far-reaching impact on all segments of Bengal's population during this crucial electoral preparation period.
