The political climate in West Bengal has intensified following accusations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Manirul Islam regarding his conduct during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Islam is alleged to have threatened officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and has been accused of inciting violence and disrupting the SIR process in Farakka, Murshidabad district.

The SIR is a crucial exercise aimed at rectifying errors and updating voter information. However, the process has been marred by controversy, with allegations of manipulation and intimidation.

Reports indicate that a mob, allegedly led by Manirul Islam, vandalized the Farakka Block Development Officer's (BDO) office, disrupting the SIR hearing of the voter list. The BDO has filed a complaint, and an FIR has been registered under various sections of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, 1984. Two arrests have been made in connection with the vandalism.

The BJP has strongly condemned the incident, with leaders like Amit Malviya calling for the ECI to take immediate action and ensure accountability. They have also demanded the deployment of central forces to oversee the SIR process, alleging that the TMC is attempting to manipulate voter lists. Suvendu Adhikari, a BJP leader, described the TMC regime as "hell-bent on diluting the SIR exercise". He urged the Election Commission to invoke its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to ensure a fair and fearless SIR process.

Adding to the turmoil, reports have emerged of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) resigning from their duties, citing harassment and excessive workload. Some BLOs have alleged that they are being pressured to include or exclude names from the voter list, leading to safety concerns. The BJP has claimed that some BLO suicides are a result of threats from TMC workers.

Manirul Islam has defended his actions, stating that he intervened to pacify a situation where a "Hindu-Muslim divide" was being created. He claimed that the agitation was spontaneous and that TMC was not responsible for the violence.

The ECI has sought a report from the district election officer of Murshidabad regarding the incident. The incident has led to suspension of the SIR hearing for over two hours.

The controversy surrounding the SIR in West Bengal highlights the intense political rivalry and the challenges of conducting fair and transparent elections in the region. The allegations of intimidation and violence have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of election officials.