West Bengal – The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal has triggered widespread fear and confusion, especially in the Matua-dominated regions of North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas. Thousands of voters from the Matua community now face uncertainty over their citizenship and voter eligibility, creating a tense political atmosphere in the state.
According to reports, those not listed in the 2002 voter records must now submit documents to prove their citizenship status. This has caused anxiety among many Matua families, several of whom migrated from Bangladesh decades ago and lack proper documentation.
The issue has taken a sharp political turn, with the BJP assuring that Hindu refugees will be protected under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accuses the BJP of deliberately spreading fear among the community.
Political analysts believe the SIR drive could affect 25–40% of Matua voters, posing a significant threat to both parties ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.