Why SIR issue Suits TMC? Urgent for you

Jan 08, 2026 - By Ashutosh Roy Politics

Key Highlights

High-Profile SIR Issue Shifts Focus from Problems

1. Anti-incumbency factor of 15 years’ ruling
2. Merico Agro unpaid salary and PF Row Sparks Protest
3. Education Sector Slides Amid Massive Corruption
4. Surge in Migrant Workers Across State
5. Rising Muslim Dissatisfaction Sparks Concern

Why Is TMC Pushing the SIR Issue?

Let’s explore why the SIR issue is creating a loud stir in the state’s politics. First, the ruling party, All India Trinamool Congress, is protesting this issue strongly. However, the reason for this strong protest requires investigation.

Moreover, many Trinamool Congress leaders and ministers have already submitted the application form for the same. In fact, they have publicly promoted it. Even the Chief Minister submitted the form. So why, despite this, is the party voicing so much protest? We need to find the probabilities.

SIR Controversy and the Politics of Timing

From the slogan “We will not allow SIR” to reports of unfortunate deaths, the SIR issue has taken a serious turn. First, the deaths of some BLOs raised concern. Then, a group named the BLO Rights Forum emerged.

Moreover, some Trinamool Congress leaders staged protests inside Election Commission offices. In addition, there were attacks on Special Observers. Even the Chief Minister raised more alarming demands for the home addresses of Micro Observers.

At the same time, the top leadership repeatedly attacked the Election Commission. They also openly provoked the public. As a result, one thing becomes very clear. The Trinamool Congress wants to keep the SIR issue alive until the elections. Therefore, we can now analyze the possible reasons behind this strategy from different angles.

Is TMC worried of large expulsion in draft SIR list?

Before that, let us look at the ground reality based on reports from various TV channels. Reports Reveal that the draft voter list has excluded approximately 58 lakhs voters voters. According to the draft voter list, the number of excluded voters in some constituencies is higher than the victory margin of the 2021 election.

As per reports, there are 109 such constituencies. Among them, the Trinamool Congress won 70 seats in the last election. Meanwhile, the BJP won 39 seats.

Therefore, by simple calculation, the situation becomes clear. If the SIR Process removed a large number of names of voters, the winning equation may change in these seats. However, the ruling party claims that the removed voters are those who never came to vote.

On the other hand, the opposition alleges that these fake voters helped the Trinamool Congress secure victory through booth capturing after 4 pm. Unfortunately, no reliable statistics are available to verify either claim. At least, none have reached us so far.

Still, one fact remains widely accepted. Votes cast in the name of dead or shifted voters usually go in favor of the ruling party. Ultimately, the exact answer lies in the future. For now, the hearing process is still ongoing. We need to wait for the release of the final voter list, a clearer picture may emerge.

Can SIR Shift Focus From Governance Failures?

However, since politics is the art of possibilities, we cannot ignore another scenario. Perhaps, the loud noise around the SIR issue is part of a clear strategy. It may aim to divert public attention. After all, the same government has ruled this state for 15 years. As a result, public anger and anti-incumbency have surely grown.

Moreover, several highly sensitive incidents have occurred in the state over the past few years.

Importantly, none of these developments are comfortable for the ruling party. Their popularity has also witnessed a sharp decline in the recent past.

Tea Garden Workers and Uttarkanya Protest

Perhaps the latest and most disturbing addition is the protest by tea garden workers in Uttarkanya, even in this bitter cold. Despite working full-time, the owner company, Merico Agro, has not paid their wages. Moreover, their PF contributions have remained unpaid for a long time.

Earlier, a tripartite meeting was scheduled on the 5th of this month. However, the owner’s side cancelled it unilaterally. As a result, the workers launched a protest sit-in.

According to reports, the management has avoided providing the welfare schemes promised to the workers for years. Consequently, workers in some gardens are suffering from malnutrition. This crisis is not limited to one garden. Workers from five to seven tea gardens are affected.

Due to unpaid wages, many families are now close to starvation. In some gardens, wages are pending for eight months. In others, the delay is two months. Meanwhile, PF dues have reportedly crossed ₹20 crore.

The biggest irony, however, is this. Just days ago, Abhishek Banerjee campaigned there on a large, expensive ramp. Yet, right next to that high-cost platform, tea garden workers spent their days hungry and unpaid.

Is SIR issue a Strategy to Divert Public Anger?

Everyone knows how grim the situation is in the education sector. The SLST examination was held. However, due to the incompetence of the SSC, recruitment has once again become stuck in court proceedings. As a result, no immediate solution appears likely.

Meanwhile, the number of migrant workers from the state is steadily increasing. At the same time, brain drain continues. Hopes for new industries are fading fast. In addition, every department in the state is shaken by theft and corruption. The Chief Minister’s new Karmashree scheme has failed to make any meaningful impact.

Worse still, migrant workers from the state are facing attacks in other states. Yet, there is no known initiative from the government—neither at the administrative level nor through inter-state dialogue. Of course, Trinamool Congress continues to stage protests. But these actions have produced no results. Nor are they expected to.

Street politics can influence public emotions. However, for problems of this nature, strong government and administrative action is absolutely necessary.

Is SIR issue the Ruling Party’s Safest Bet?

That is why, it appears the problem-ridden ruling party sees the SIR issue as a useful tool before the elections. By doing so, the party can divert public attention from unresolved crises. At the same time, internal factional conflicts may reduce. Moreover, party workers are likely to feel re-energized.

Therefore, this possibility also deserves your careful consideration.