A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that the death of a migrant worker in Purba Bardhaman district was linked to fear and anxiety surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The deceased, identified as Bimal Santra, reportedly took his own life after growing increasingly distressed over concerns that his name might not appear in the 2002 electoral rolls—a key criterion under the SIR process. The incident has triggered a war of words between the ruling TMC and opposition parties, with the former accusing the BJP and Election Commission of “weaponizing bureaucracy to terrorize citizens.”
The TMC, in a post on social media platform X, claimed that Santra was “terrified of harassment” and “driven to despair” by the fear of being declared a non-citizen. The party described the SIR exercise as a “tool of displacement and intimidation,” and demanded immediate intervention from the Election Commission to halt the process.
📊 Timeline of Events Surrounding Bimal Santra’s Death
| Date | Event Description | Political Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2025 | Santra returns to Nabagram village from Tamil Nadu | Family notes anxiety |
| Nov 1, 2025 | Santra found dead in his home | TMC alleges SIR-linked suicide |
| Nov 2, 2025 | TMC posts statement on X | BJP denies allegations |
| Nov 3, 2025 | Opposition accuses TMC of stoking panic | EC remains silent |
The incident has become a flashpoint in Bengal’s ongoing debate over citizenship verification and voter rights.
🧠 What Is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To update and verify electoral rolls ahead of 2026 general elections |
| Key Criteria | Inclusion in 2002 rolls or proof of continuous residence |
| Implementation Regions | Select districts in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura |
| Criticism | Alleged targeting of migrant workers and marginalized communities |
The SIR process has faced backlash for its opaque methodology and lack of public awareness campaigns.
🗣️ Political Reactions and Statements
| Party/Leader | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Trinamool Congress | “Another precious life lost to BJP’s politics of fear.” |
| Mamata Banerjee | “We will not allow Bengal to be turned into a detention camp.” |
| BJP Bengal Unit | “TMC is politicizing a tragic death for votes.” |
| CPI(M) | “Both BJP and TMC are playing with people’s emotions.” |
| Congress State Spokesperson | “The EC must clarify its role and halt SIR immediately.” |
The incident has united opposition voices in demanding transparency and accountability.
📈 Impact of SIR on Migrant Workers and Rural Communities
| Community Segment | Reported Concerns |
|---|---|
| Migrant Workers | Fear of exclusion due to absence during verification |
| Tribal Populations | Lack of documentation and awareness |
| Elderly Residents | Confusion over eligibility criteria |
| Women and Minorities | Anxiety over bureaucratic hurdles |
Civil society groups have called for legal aid and helplines to support vulnerable populations.
🧭 Historical Context of Citizenship Verification in India
| Year | Event/Policy | Region | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | NRC Implementation | Assam | 1.9 million excluded |
| 2020 | CAA Protests | Nationwide | Widespread unrest |
| 2025 | SIR Rollout | Bengal, Assam | Political backlash |
The SIR process is being viewed by critics as a continuation of earlier citizenship verification drives.
📌 Conclusion
The death of Bimal Santra in West Bengal has reignited concerns over the human cost of bureaucratic exercises like the Special Intensive Revision. As political parties trade accusations and citizens grapple with uncertainty, the need for clarity, compassion, and accountability becomes paramount. Whether the Election Commission responds with reforms or continues its current trajectory will shape the narrative in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, political statements, and official documents. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
