'Silent Invisible Rigging': Abhishek Banerjee Shares SIR Strategy With TMC Workers, Calls It 'Acid Test'

13 hours ago 5
ARTICLE AD BOX

Last Updated:October 31, 2025, 22:12 IST

Abhishek directed party functionaries to monitor the work of booth-level officers and ensure no genuine Bengal voter’s name is deleted from electoral rolls, said sources

After the Bihar SIR announcement, we said it is a case of Silent Invisible Rigging, Banerjee was quoted as saying by party insiders. File pic

After the Bihar SIR announcement, we said it is a case of Silent Invisible Rigging, Banerjee was quoted as saying by party insiders. File pic

In a crucial internal meeting lasting nearly two hours, Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday instructed booth-level agents and party leaders to remain vigilant and proactive during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

According to party sources, Banerjee described the next six months as an “acid test" for the TMC, adding that he himself would be on the ground from the first week of November. He directed party functionaries to monitor the work of booth-level officers closely and ensure that no genuine voter’s name is deleted from the electoral rolls.

“After the Bihar SIR announcement, we said it is a case of Silent Invisible Rigging. The TMC protested in Parliament, in court, and on the streets—and we will continue to do so. On one hand, the BJP wants to divide and humiliate people in the name of SIR and NRC, while AITC workers will stand by the people to ensure that no one’s name is deleted," Banerjee was quoted as saying by party insiders.

During the meeting, Banerjee also clarified that if the names of genuine voters are found missing, the party will launch a major movement in Delhi. Referring to TMC’s earlier claim that voter deletions had started before the SIR process began, he added that the party is ready to approach the court over the issue.

Key Instructions Issued to Party Workers

Help Desks: From November 4 to December 4, TMC workers have been instructed to set up Anchal-wise help desks and camps across Bengal to assist people during the SIR process.

Operational Plan: The camps will operate from 9 am to 5 pm under the banner of their respective regions. Each camp will be equipped with a laptop, printer, and Wi-Fi connection to facilitate on-the-spot assistance.

App Updates: Booth-level agents (BLAs) must verify voter details and update correct information on the Didir Doot app, where a digitised version of the voter list has already been uploaded. Workers must also maintain offline records of the updates.

Coordination: MPs and MLAs have been directed to provide full support. Area presidents are to stay in touch with Gram Panchayat heads to ensure coordinated efforts.

Statewide Coverage: Around 6,200 camps will be set up across 2,861 wards and 3,345 Gram Panchayats. The objective, Banerjee said, is to make people understand that “Trinamool is the only party that stands by them in times of difficulty."

Constituency-Level Meetings: Within the next three days, constituency-based meetings will be convened to assign specific roles and responsibilities.

District-Specific Directives

In Malda and Murshidabad, district leaders have been asked to persuade migrant workers to return and complete the voter enumeration process.

In Purba Medinipur, a separate legal cell will be established to address local concerns. “Every time they misuse agencies like the NIA to threaten us, no one should feel intimidated. We are with the people," Banerjee told party members, according to sources.

Banerjee also emphasised the need to stand firmly with residents of Bongaon and Ranaghat, drawing parallels with Assam. “Just like in Assam, where lakhs of Hindus were left out, many in Bengal will face difficulties due to SIR. AITC workers must stand by them and provide all possible help," he said.

Party insiders described the mood of the meeting as one of caution and alertness—with Banerjee stressing that the public must see the TMC as standing shoulder to shoulder with them during this process.

Meanwhile, the BJP took a dig at the TMC, claiming that the party’s growing dependence on virtual meetings signals its weakening ground presence. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar remarked, “He (Abhishek) does not step out on the ground; that’s why he holds virtual meetings. After SIR, this party will not even exist in the virtual world."

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...

Read More

First Published:

October 31, 2025, 22:12 IST

News politics 'Silent Invisible Rigging': Abhishek Banerjee Shares SIR Strategy With TMC Workers, Calls It 'Acid Test'

Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Read More

Read Entire Article