The Election Commission has extended the deadline for filing and resolving objections related to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in certain states and UTs like West Bengal, Puducherry, Goa, Lakshadweep, and Rajasthan. The deadline for filing and resolving objections has been extended to January 19, 2026. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has consistently alleged that the Commission is trying to complete the SIR process too quickly. They allege that the process is being conducted incorrectly in haste, causing harassment to the general public.

The Commission announced this decision on Thursday, January 15. It has been stated that the decision was taken based on requests from the Chief Electoral Officers of these five states and Union Territories (UTs). The Commission stated, “The deadline for filing objections in the Special Intensive Revision has been extended to January 19, 2026.” The Election Commission mentioned in its statement that this extension is to ensure the inclusion of the maximum number of eligible voters in the electoral roll.

Madhyamik Board’s admit card for final exam NOT valid for SIR hearing in Bengal: EC

Meanwhile in West Bengal, the admit card for the secondary or equivalent tenth-grade final examination conducted by the state government’s education board will no longer be considered as a valid document for the hearing. The Election Commission issued this new directive on Thursday. The Election Commission in Delhi sent a letter to West Bengal Election Commissioner, Manoj Agarwal, in this regard.

Earlier, although the SIR deadline was extended last year, it did not apply to Bengal. In the Election Commission’s notification, the time for submitting enumeration forms was extended in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh. The deadline for publishing the draft list was also changed at that time.

The ruling party in Bengal has repeatedly criticised the Election Commission regarding the SIR deadline. The Trinamool Congress claims that the Commission is trying to complete the process in a hurry. This is why there are problems in the process, and people are being harassed. Several deaths have also occurred during the exercise which the Trinamool claims has happened due to SIR. Following this change of date by the commission, political circles believe that it is essentially an indirect acceptance of the Trinamool Congress’ demands.

SIR in West Bengal

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process began in West Bengal in the last week of October 2025. The work is being carried out based on the 2002 voter list, as that was the year the last intensive revision of the voter list took place. The National Election Commission is undertaking this process again in 12 states, including West Bengal, before the 2026 elections.

According to the Election Commission’s rules, voters whose names are not on the 2002 voter list can apply to have their names included by submitting the necessary documents at the SIR hearing. Additionally, documents must be submitted to the Election Commission to correct existing discrepancies or errors if any.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share