Narratives and counter-narratives surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal are gaining prominence as the state Assembly elections approach. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had appeared in the Supreme Court herself, on Thursday, February 4, to argue a case in this matter.
Now, Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee has penned a poem in protest against the SIR exercise.
Abhishek Banerjee writes poem against SIR
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has penned a strongly worded poem titled "I Refuse" in Bengali ("Aami Oshwikar Kori"), expressing protest against what he describes as governance driven by fear, lists, and exclusion. In the poem, Banerjee rejects "rule by lists, rashness, and politics built on intimidation," and challenges the idea of citizenship and dignity being reduced to documents. "We were asked for names and papers. We gave history, soil, and a homeland built with sweat. They said, this is not enough," the poem reads, questioning the moral and constitutional basis of such demands.
The poem also makes a direct political and ethical assertion, warning that history does not absolve silence or abuse of power. Referring to deaths as more than mere statistics, Banerjee writes, "150 - This is not a number. This is the scream of people in a fire lit by the state." The poem concludes with a sharp reminder that history remembers resistance as well as responsibility, asserting that "power that treats people as disposable is never forgiven by history." The poem is signed and dated February 9, 2026.
SIR case in Supreme Court
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked in the Supreme Court last Thursday that the upcoming Assembly elections be held using the 2025 electoral rolls, instead of the fresh rolls to be published after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
She has cited several irregularities in the SIR process. The CM has warned that these issues could lead to mass disenfranchisement of voters.
The Chief Minister has also flagged problems with the publication of the "logical discrepancy" list. She said people are being served notices even for minor spelling mistakes in their names.
The Election Commission, on its part, said it was forced to appoint micro-observers as the state government did not cooperate with the process. It claimed the state failed to spare its officers for work related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
After hearing the Chief Minister's arguments last week, the court sought a response from the ECI and listed the matter for hearing today.
