In a recent political development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a dig at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee concerning her plea against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Modi's remark, implying that Banerjee's actions in court were a defense of "illegals," has sparked controversy and drawn sharp reactions from the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The core of the issue lies in Banerjee's challenge to the SIR, a process intended to revise and update electoral rolls. Banerjee has alleged that the SIR is being conducted in a "hurried and partisan manner" with the purpose of unfairly targeting West Bengal and favoring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She has voiced concerns about potential "mass disenfranchisement" due to the way the Election Commission of India (ECI) is carrying out the revision.

Banerjee personally appeared before the Supreme Court to argue against the SIR, a rare move for a sitting Chief Minister. She argued that the SIR disproportionately affects women, migrants, and the poor and questioned the timing of the exercise. She also claimed that Bengali-speaking people are being harassed in states ruled by the BJP. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the ECI and the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, seeking their responses to Banerjee's plea. The court has directed the state government to submit a list of Group B officers to assist the Election Commission, signaling that institutional cooperation is expected.

Banerjee's petition states that cases of "logical discrepancy" have not been uploaded to the DEOs portal, even after the Supreme Court ordered it. She also alleges that a large number of voters were flagged under "logical discrepancies," leaving little time for corrective measures. Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, representing Banerjee, has argued that documents like land certificates and Aadhaar cards are not being accepted during the Election Commission's hearing.

The ECI, however, has countered these claims, asserting that notices with reasons are being issued and authorized agents are allowed to respond. The commission maintains that the SIR is a routine exercise conducted in multiple states to clean up electoral rolls and ensure voter integrity.

The controversy surrounding the SIR has intensified the political atmosphere in West Bengal, with the TMC accusing the BJP of using the ECI to manipulate the electoral process. Banerjee has warned of potential dangers if she is "hurt" and has accused the central government of harassing Bengali people in other states.

The Supreme Court has acknowledged the urgency of the matter, emphasizing that the revision exercise cannot be indefinitely extended and that mechanisms must be in place to ensure that no genuine voter is excluded. The court has also asked the ECI to be more sensitive in issuing notices over name spelling mismatches. The next hearing is scheduled for February 9, 2026.