West Bengal polls: SIR divides families after voter list shake-up in Kolkata constituencies

KOLKATA: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has split many families in Bengal, with some members eligible to vote while others have been struck off the electoral roll. In the run-up to the deadline, many rushed to get their names restored but after Monday midnight, it became clear that those left out would not be able to vote in the forthcoming assembly election.For Sealdah resident Priyangsu Pal (23), the revision has meant exclusion for almost his entire family. His name, along with those of his mother and elder sister, has been deleted, leaving his father as the sole eligible voter in the household. Having voted for the first time in 2024, Pal had hoped to participate in his first assembly election this year. "I got my voter card just two years ago, and this would have been my first assembly election. But I'm almost certain I won't be able to vote," he said. "I submitted all required documents, including my birth certificate and educational certificates, but my name was still deleted."He added that while he has filed an offline appeal, he does not expect it to be resolved before the polls. His mother, recovering from a recent surgery, has not yet been able to apply, while his sister has filed an appeal online. A similar story has unfolded in the Chowringhee constituency, where Adil Shamsher said the names of four brothers in his family have been removed. Only his mother and wife remain on the list."I submitted documents like my GST certificate and income tax returns, and I've had a valid passport for years. Yet, all of these were rejected," he said. "I'm a taxpayer, but not considered a valid voter — isn't that a contrast?" His brothers — a chartered accountancy student and a general manager at a quick-commerce firm — will also be unable to vote.In Jorasanko, Varnika Pangoria finds herself singled out within her own family. While all other members remain on the rolls, her name alone has been deleted. "I've filed an appeal before the tribunal. Let's see what happens," she said, adding that she does not have a birth certificate as she was born at home. "At that time, many people like me didn't have birth certificates. What could I do?"Nikhat Khatoon (25), also from Chowringhee, said she and several of her siblings have been excluded as well. "Only my mother and one of my brothers are on the list. The rest of us — my sisters and brothers — have had our names deleted," she said. Though appeals have been filed, uncertainty remains. For now, many families across Bengal are preparing for an election in which some voices will be heard — and others, within the same home, will not.