79 Tribal Residents in West Bengal Refuse SIR Registration, Cite Loyalty to Majhi Sarkar

In a rare and concerning development, tribal communities from Muchikata and Veduashol villages in West Bengal’s Bankura district have refused to participate in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The villagers stated that their loyalty lies with the ‘Samajwad Inter-State Majhi Sarkar’, prompting them to opt out of the voter registration process. Despite multiple efforts, the police and block administration were unable to convince the villagers.

According to officials, a total of 79 tribal residents have abstained from registering their names on the voter list, allegedly influenced by individuals claiming to represent the Majhi Sarkar. These outsiders reportedly encouraged the villagers to surrender their identity cards and reject their citizenship under the Government of India.

Attempts by Khatra SDPO Abhishek Yadav and Ranibandh BDO Anisha Yash to explain the importance of electoral participation were unsuccessful. The villagers remained adamant, expressing beliefs aligned with the Majhi Sarkar’s ideology.

One resident reportedly said, “We do not walk on two legs. If we register our names with the Majhi Sarkar, we cease to be citizens of the Indian government.” The statement left officials deeply concerned about the extent of misinformation influencing the community.

The district administration has announced that it will revisit the villages in the coming days to continue awareness campaigns and encourage the tribal population to enroll in the voter list.

“We will return and try to convince the villagers again. Our objective is to ensure that every eligible citizen is included in the electoral roll,” officials stated.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is conducted by the Election Commission of India to ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls and that no ineligible names remain. The exercise is currently underway in several states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and West Bengal.

Of these, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry are scheduled to hold Assembly Elections next year, making the revision exercise particularly crucial.

The SIR timeline began on December 11 with the Enumeration Period and polling station rationalization. The draft electoral rolls will be compiled and updated between December 12 and 15 and released on December 16. Claims and objections will be accepted from December 16 to January 15, followed by the final publication of electoral rolls on February 14. The notice period will continue until February 7.