Citizen’s forum urges EC for urgent electoral roll revision in Bengal
The Statesman | 8 August 2025
The All Bengal Citizens Forum has written to the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi, stressing the urgency of conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal.
The purpose of the SIR, according to the forum, is to “ensure that no eligible citizen is left out, while no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll.” As per the official notification, the revised electoral roll will be released only after all claims and objections have been duly addressed.
Sailen Parbat, president of the All Bengal Citizens Forum, stated that names of deceased individuals, those permanently relocated, infiltrators, untraceable persons, and those enrolled in multiple locations must be removed from the list.
He added: “Migration in pursuit of better economic opportunities is a natural part of human existence. However, in the case of migration from Bangladesh to India, political and religious factors play a significant role. West Bengal is a densely populated state, and illegal migration from Bangladesh places a heavy burden on land resources. Urban congestion and the proliferation of slums have increased rapidly, as recent immigrants tend to settle in urban areas seeking employment.”
Mr Parbat further noted that, in addition to permanent illegal migrants, temporary and seasonal Bangladeshi migrants are also present, and they are less accountable to the nation. He alleged that various crimes—including smuggling, robbery, prostitution, and trafficking of women and children—are frequently organised by these temporary migrants in the border districts of West Bengal. “Disturbances in border areas are so frequent that security is at risk,” he said.
He also criticised political parties in West Bengal for allegedly protecting illegal migrants over a prolonged period to expand their vote banks. “Due to this political patronage, local administrations have been unable to enforce strict law and order,” he claimed.
“In these circumstances, I would request you to announce the date of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) so that all booth level officers may proceed steadily, quietly, and swiftly,” Mr Parbat urged in his letter.