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Summary:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the deadline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine states and three Union Territories by one week. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal claims this extension is an admission of the ECI’s initial mistake of rushing the revision process, leading to alleged deaths due to related stress. The TMC demands an apology from the ECI and accountability for the deaths. The BJP states that the revision deadline is within the poll body’s discretion. The Congress party demands a month long extension, while the CPI(M) claims the BJP and TMC are colluding. The ECI has appointed 13 special observers, including Retired IAS Officer Subrata Gupta, to oversee the SIR process in West Bengal.

News Article:

ECI Extends Voter Roll Revision Deadline Amidst Controversy in West Bengal

Kolkata, India – December 1, 2025 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a week-long extension to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine states and three Union Territories, a decision that has sparked controversy and accusations in West Bengal.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) party in West Bengal has seized upon the extension as an admission of error by the ECI. According to TMC leaders, the initial timeline for the SIR was insufficient and rushed, leading to undue stress and, tragically, the deaths of 40 people, including Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

“The ECI should apologize to the people of West Bengal for the deaths which have allegedly occurred during the ‘hurriedly carried out’ revision,” stated Senior West Bengal Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya during a press conference on Sunday, November 30th. “From the Trinamool Congress, we have been repeatedly saying that the time given by the EC for SIR is not sufficient.” Bhattacharya demanded the ECI take responsibility for these losses.

The ECI had earlier met with a delegation of Trinamool Congress MPs at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi to raise concerns about the SIR process, including questions on alleged SIR related deaths.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a more neutral stance, with Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar stating that the extension decision falls within the ECI’s discretion.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Congress has criticized the extension as insufficient, calling for a month-long extension to ensure thoroughness. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has alleged a “tacit understanding” between the BJP and TMC regarding the SIR exercise, suggesting that their public disagreements are merely for show.

In response to concerns, the ECI has appointed 13 special observers to monitor the SIR process in West Bengal. Retired IAS Officer Subrata Gupta, now serving as Special Roll Observer (SRO), visited South 24 Parganas district on Sunday to assess the progress. “I am here to oversee whether the SIR process is being followed as per the directive of the ECI. There are a few complaints, and we will cross-check them,” Gupta stated.

The extension of the SIR deadline comes at a crucial time, with potential elections on the horizon. The thoroughness and accuracy of the electoral rolls will be critical for ensuring fair and democratic processes.

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