Kolkata, 11 October (H.S.) - Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) central leadership has issued a strict directive to its state leaders, advising them not to make any predictions or assumptions regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the electoral roll. The central leadership believes that such statements could give political leverage to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The advisory was issued during a crucial meeting held in Kolkata on Friday, attended by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Tripura’s former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb — who were recently appointed as the state’s election in-charge and co-in-charge, respectively. Also present were BJP’s national general secretary (organization) Sunil Bansal, IT cell head Amit Malviya, and senior leaders of the Bengal state committee.

According to party insiders, the directive followed remarks by some BJP leaders who recently claimed that over one crore “illegal voters” — allegedly including Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators — would be deleted from the electoral rolls after the completion of the SIR process.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had swiftly reacted to these statements, alleging that they proved the Election Commission was functioning under instructions from the BJP and the central government.

A senior member of the Bengal BJP state committee confirmed that the party’s central leadership has cautioned local leaders against making any statements that might “politically benefit” the TMC or its leadership. Instead, leaders have been told to strengthen the party’s organisational machinery at the booth level and ensure the appointment of dedicated booth agents during the voter list verification process.

During the meeting, the central leadership also outlined the detailed responsibilities of booth-level agents, emphasising their key role in ensuring that the revised electoral rolls are free from errors before the upcoming assembly elections.

The directive underscores the BJP’s attempt to maintain a disciplined communication strategy in Bengal, where political statements often escalate into major controversies ahead of elections.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh