Siliguri MLA sets up help desk on electoral roll revision
The Statesman | 30 October 2025Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Dr Ghosh said the initiative aims to help citizens who are anxious or confused about the revision process. “The SIR is a people-friendly exercise, and there is nothing to worry about. This Help Desk will guide individuals based on the instructions of the Election Commission of India,” he said.
According to Dr Ghosh, BJP leaders and workers across Siliguri will also extend support as part of a state-wide outreach programme. The Help Desk will advise residents on the documents required for voter verification and how to cooperate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the revision process.
“The SIR is simply meant to update and prepare a flawless electoral roll containing the names of genuine Indian citizens,” Dr Ghosh added. He also mentioned that his office would provide information and clarification regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) to those interested.
However, confusion persists among sections of the population, as some political groups and residents have linked the SIR exercise to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), leading to apprehension in parts of North Bengal.
Meanwhile, political tensions over the NRC issue have intensified following the alleged suicide of 57-year-old Pradeep Kar of Panihati in Khardaha, who reportedly left a note stating, “NRC is responsible for my death.”
Reacting sharply to the incident, Trinamul Congress (TMC) leadership accused the BJP of spreading fear and panic over citizenship issues. In a strongly worded statement, the TMC said the incident reflected the “tragic outcome of divisive politics” and vowed that Bengal would never allow NRC or any measure that threatened people’s rights.
