TMC Alleges Lack of Transparency in Electoral Roll Revision, Calls SIR “Software Intensive Rigging”
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has turned into a major political flashpoint, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleging that the process lacks transparency and risks disenfranchising genuine voters. Raising sharp questions over the conduct of the exercise, the ruling party in the state has described SIR as “Software Intensive Rigging” and demanded greater public accountability from the Election Commission of India (EC).
The allegations were made during a press conference in Kolkata, where senior TMC leaders argued that the current revision process, instead of strengthening democracy, is creating confusion, hardship, and fear among ordinary voters—particularly in rural and marginalised communities.
What Is the Special Intensive Revision?
The Special Intensive Revision is a large-scale exercise undertaken by the Election Commission to update electoral rolls by identifying errors, duplications, and inconsistencies in voter records. In West Bengal, the SIR has focused on what the EC describes as “logical discrepancies,” including mismatches in parental details, age-related inconsistencies, and links with older voter lists such as those from 2002.
The EC has stated that the objective of the exercise is to ensure clean and accurate electoral rolls. However, the manner in which the process has been implemented has drawn criticism from political parties, civil society groups, and voters who fear that genuine electors may be wrongly flagged or removed.
Supreme Court Intervention Brings Process Under Spotlight
The controversy intensified a day after the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to increase transparency in the SIR process. The apex court instructed the EC to publicly display the names of voters flagged for “logical discrepancies” at gram panchayat offices and block-level offices. It also ordered that objections and supporting documents be accepted at these locations to reduce inconvenience to voters.
The court emphasised that the revision exercise should not cause unnecessary hardship and must safeguard citizens’ fundamental right to vote. This judicial intervention has added legal and constitutional weight to concerns raised by political stakeholders.
TMC Demands Transparency and Public Disclosure
Addressing the media, senior TMC leaders reiterated that the party is not opposed to the revision of electoral rolls in principle. Instead, they stressed that the process must be transparent, planned, and humane.
“The Election Commission is one of the most respected institutions of our democracy,” said a senior TMC leader. “But when processes become opaque and voters are left confused about their status, it undermines public trust.”
The party demanded that the EC release transcripts of meetings held between a TMC delegation and the full bench of the Election Commission in late 2025. According to the party, these meetings included several constructive suggestions aimed at making the SIR process smoother and more voter-friendly.
TMC leaders warned that continued silence from the EC would deepen suspicion and erode confidence in the neutrality of the process.
Allegations of Political Bias and Institutional Erosion
The TMC also raised concerns about the institutional independence of the Election Commission. Party leaders pointed to the background of the current Chief Election Commissioner, noting his prior role in the Union government, and argued that such associations make transparency even more essential.
“This is not a political fight between parties,” a TMC leader said. “This is about the people of Bengal versus a process that risks making voting more difficult instead of easier.”
Another senior leader highlighted that voters flagged in discrepancy lists are being forced to make repeated visits to government offices, often travelling long distances, to defend their right to remain on the electoral rolls.
Voters Face Anxiety and Administrative Burden
According to the TMC, the ongoing hearings and verification procedures have caused significant distress, especially among elderly voters, daily wage workers, and those living in remote areas. The party claimed that many people are struggling to understand why their names have been flagged and what documents are required to resolve the issue.
Concerns were also raised over the use of software in the revision process. TMC leaders questioned how frequently the software parameters are being changed, who developed the system, and what safeguards are in place to prevent errors that could lead to wrongful deletions.
Election Commission Yet to Respond in Detail
While the Election Commission has maintained that the SIR exercise is being carried out strictly as per established guidelines, it has not yet publicly released the transcripts of its meetings with political parties. The EC has, however, stated earlier that mechanisms are in place to ensure that no eligible voter is removed without due process.
Political observers note that the situation has placed the EC under increased scrutiny at a sensitive time, as West Bengal moves closer to future electoral contests.
A Larger Debate on Electoral Integrity
The controversy has sparked a broader debate on how electoral reforms should be implemented in a diverse and populous democracy like India. While accurate voter lists are essential to free and fair elections, critics argue that the process must be simple, transparent, and citizen-friendly to avoid exclusion.
As legal proceedings continue and political pressure mounts, the handling of the SIR exercise in West Bengal is likely to serve as a test case for balancing administrative efficiency with democratic rights.
Looking Ahead
With the Supreme Court calling for greater transparency and political parties demanding clearer communication, the coming weeks will be crucial for the Election Commission. How it responds to these concerns may shape public confidence not only in the electoral roll revision process but also in the broader integrity of India’s electoral system.
For millions of voters in West Bengal, the outcome will determine more than just paperwork—it will decide how secure their right to vote truly is.
