Muslims May Face Bias: Amartya Sen Warns ‘Rushed’ Bengal SIR Could Undermine Democracy

Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen has cautioned that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal is being conducted with what he described as “undue haste,” potentially weakening democratic participation ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Sen said that while electoral roll revisions can strengthen Democracy, they do so only when implemented carefully, transparently, and with adequate time—conditions he believes are currently lacking in West Bengal.

“A careful and timely review of electoral rolls can be a good democratic procedure, but this is not what is happening in West Bengal at this time,” Sen said.

He argued that the accelerated process leaves eligible voters with insufficient time to submit documentation required to prove their right to vote. “The SIR is being completed quickly, giving those who are eligible to vote insufficient time to submit supporting documentation for their ability to vote in the next assembly elections. This is both unjust to the electorate and unfair to Indian democracy,” he stated.

Sen also pointed to pressure faced by election officials themselves. Drawing from his own experience, he said Election Commission personnel appeared constrained by tight timelines. “Election Commission officials themselves don’t always seem to have enough time,” he observed.

Recalling a personal incident from his home constituency of Santiniketan, Sen said that despite having voted there previously and having his records already on file, his eligibility was questioned. “They questioned my right to vote from my home constituency in Santiniketan and even raised queries about my deceased mother’s age at the time of my birth, despite her details, like mine, being present in official records,” he said.

Sen highlighted broader documentation challenges faced by many Indians born in rural areas. “Like many Indian citizens born in rural India—I was born in the then village of Santiniketan—I do not have a birth certificate, and my eligibility to vote required further paperwork,” he explained.

Although his own issue was eventually resolved with assistance from friends, Sen expressed concern for those lacking similar support. “Even while I could cheerfully declare, like the Beatles, ‘Oh, I get by with a little help from my pals,’ I worried about those who do not have such devoted friends. My friends helped me get through the rigid gates of the formidable EC,” he said.

Sen said he was summoned for a hearing after a “logical discrepancy” was flagged regarding the age difference between him and his mother.

Asked whether the SIR could benefit any political party, Sen said he could not make a definitive claim. “I am not an election specialist. I have been told by those who seem to know more that the BJP will benefit from the under-accounting,” he said.

“I don’t know whether that is true, but the real point is that the Election Commission should not insist on a faulty arrangement and force our proud democracy to commit an unnecessary error, no matter who benefits,” he added.

Sen identified the poor and socially disadvantaged as most vulnerable to exclusion. “The impoverished and disadvantaged must be the clear answer. They often find it extremely difficult to gather the documents required to be included in the revised electoral roll,” he said.

He warned that documentation requirements may introduce class bias. “The class bias that may show up in the requirement of producing particular documents in order to qualify for the new voters’ list will tend to work against the indigent,” he added.

Sen also expressed concern about minority communities. “The difficulties minority groups sometimes face in having their rights—including the right to vote—respected could be another serious concern. Due to the activism of recently strengthened Hindutva fanatics, Indian Muslims are occasionally pushed into inferior positions. Some categories of Hindus may also face discrimination and targeting,” he said.

Emphasizing institutional responsibility, Sen said, “The Election Commission and the Supreme Court must ensure that no adult Indian citizen faces difficulty in qualifying to vote.”

Despite the challenges, the 92-year-old economist said he remains determined to vote in the upcoming assembly elections. “I really want to do it. It depends, however, on the exact date on which my constituency’s voting is fixed,” he said.

Explaining his overseas commitments, Sen noted, “As a Professor at Harvard University, I have obligations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and as a former Master of Trinity College, I have responsibilities there as well.”

Recalling a previous effort to cast his vote, Sen said he once travelled from Cambridge to London, Delhi, Kolkata, Santiniketan and back within 48 hours to ensure participation in the democratic process.

He concluded with a reflective note on aging and identity. “But I am 92 now—a little more elderly. I was about 82 then. During that journey, I reread an old book by Rabindranath Tagore, where he explained why he was proud to be a product of three cultures—Hindu, Muslim, and European. I hope to reflect on Tagore again this time, if I manage to do what I should,” Sen said.