SIR name deletion protests break out in North Bengal

MP, Siliguri, April 1, 2026: Large-scale deletion of voter names from electoral rolls has triggered widespread protests throughout North Bengal. The unrest comes after the publication of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) supplementary lists, which saw 42,874 names deleted and 6,473 still under adjudication in the Siliguri Assembly Constituency. The voter count in the constituency dropped from around 2.34 lakh to approximately 1.84 lakh.

In Darjeeling district, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) staged a sit-in demonstration at Hasmi Chowk. A voter assistance camp was also organised under the directions of TMC Chairperson Mamata Banerjee, where TMC candidate Gautam Deb helped affected voters fill out Form 6 applications to reapply for inclusion in the electoral roll. Legal aid and party workers were on hand to support residents. Deb criticised the Election Commission, saying, “The voter list will be frozen by April 6. The Election Commission is working to benefit a political party, but it will be of no use, as the BJP will lose the election due to the SIR.”

CPI(M) also staged protests in Naxalbari, blocking a state highway in response to alleged mass deletion of voter names. Jharen Roy, CPI(M) candidate, reported that over 530 names were deleted in his constituency following the publication of the supplementary list.

Protests intensified in Malda, with residents of Pirganj in Ratua-II block blocking the weekly Achintala haat. The market shifted temporarily to Nawagama More in Pukhuria, but customer turnout was low. Protesters voiced strong grievances, claiming valid documents had been submitted but names were still removed. Javed Ali said, “Our right to vote is being taken away. Until our names are restored, protests will continue,” while another resident, Iqbal Sheikh, echoed concerns over wrongful deletions.

Police and central forces were deployed across affected areas to manage tensions. On Tuesday, over a hundred protesters blocked the state highway connecting Alipurduar with Falakata and Cooch Behar near Kaljani Bridge, halting vehicular movement for nearly an hour. A similar protest occurred in Kumargram Assembly Constituency, where residents of Khoardanga No. 1 Gram Panchayat staged a road blockade and set tyres on fire to highlight the wrongful deletion of voter names.

The situation remains tense as authorities attempt to address the grievances of affected voters.