BJP urges the Election Commission to verify birth certificates issued after June 24, 2025, in West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, citing alleged misuse and mass issuance of fake documents ahead of voter list updates.
As the first stage of the three-phase Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal begins on Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to exercise extreme caution in accepting birth certificates and other identity documents issued recently within the state.
On Monday, the BJP submitted a detailed communique to the Election Commission, urging the poll body to introduce a series of verification measures to prevent large-scale irregularities during the voter list revision process. The party expressed serious concerns about the authenticity of birth certificates issued after June 24, 2025, and alleged that a surge in delayed registrations had been observed across the state since these certificates were recognised as valid documents for voter registration.
According to BJP leaders, many of these delayed registrations are suspected to have been facilitated through the active involvement of local government officials and political cadres. The party warned that such practices could potentially distort the integrity of the electoral rolls in West Bengal if left unchecked.
Verification Demand on Birth Certificates
The BJP’s communication to the ECI specifically urged that no birth certificate issued after June 24, 2025, should be automatically accepted for inclusion in the SIR process. Instead, the party recommended that each such certificate undergo strict verification by Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) before being considered valid for voter registration.
The letter stated that several instances had come to light where backdated certificates were allegedly produced to manipulate voter eligibility in certain areas. “The Commission must ensure that no certificate is accepted without a thorough case-by-case verification,” the communique emphasised.
Concerns Over Residence and Caste Certificates
Beyond birth certificates, the BJP also flagged the issue of permanent residence certificates being issued indiscriminately by local authorities. The party claimed that many such certificates were based solely on Aadhaar or EPIC cards, which themselves are under scrutiny for potential misuse or duplication.
“These certificates are being distributed under the influence of political functionaries to expand voter bases in targeted constituencies,” the BJP’s statement alleged. The party suggested that only certificates duly signed by Group-A officers should be accepted and that each document must be cross-verified with the issuing authority before being validated.
Similarly, the BJP advised the ECI to treat caste certificates with caution, particularly those related to the OBC-A category issued between 2011 and 2024. The party recommended that such certificates should be excluded from the list of acceptable documents for voter registration until final judicial determinations are made regarding their authenticity and issuance process.
Political and Administrative Implications
The SIR process is considered a crucial exercise in ensuring that electoral rolls remain accurate and updated ahead of upcoming elections. However, the BJP’s warning reflects the growing political tension in West Bengal, where the party has frequently accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of manipulating administrative machinery to influence electoral outcomes.
Political observers view the BJP’s move as both a preventive measure and a strategic attempt to draw national attention to alleged voter registration malpractices in the state. “This is not merely a bureaucratic issue; it’s about maintaining the sanctity of the democratic process,” said a BJP spokesperson, adding that the ECI must remain vigilant against any attempt to tamper with the voter list through forged documentation.
Call for Transparency and Fairness
The BJP also requested that the Election Commission deploy independent observers to supervise the verification of identity documents during the SIR process. The party urged the Commission to make all verification procedures transparent and accessible to the public to build confidence in the electoral process.
The communique concluded by asserting that the credibility of India’s electoral system depends on robust scrutiny mechanisms and the elimination of fraudulent entries. “Every citizen’s right to vote must be protected—but only those who are legitimately entitled should be on the rolls,” the BJP’s letter stressed.
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With the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision beginning on Tuesday, the ECI now faces renewed pressure to implement stringent verification protocols. The outcome of this exercise could have far-reaching implications for West Bengal’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
