Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal, warning that it is being conducted with “undue hurry,” which he said might jeopardise democratic participation, particularly with the West Bengal Assembly Elections approaching in a few months. “This is both unjust to the electorate and unfair to Indian democracy.”SIR in West Bengal Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls began in West Bengal last year in December. Earlier this month, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee claimed that the EC had served Amartya Sen with a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing notice. ‘..lack enough time’ Drawing from his own experience during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bengal, Sen said time pressure was evident even among poll officials. Although the issue was eventually resolved for him, Sen expressed concern for citizens who lack similar access to assistance.

Source: Mint January 24, 2026 16:54 UTC