Nobel Laureate Dr Amartya Sen Gets SIR Notice Over Voter List Discrepancy
The Election Commission issued a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) notice to Nobel Laureate Dr. Amartya Sen in West Bengal over a voter list discrepancy, sparking criticism and clarification from officials.
KOLKATA- Nobel Laureate economist Dr. Amartya Sen has been issued a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) notice by the Election Commission of India (ECI) amid the ongoing voter list revision exercise in West Bengal, triggering political controversy and official clarification.
According to EC sources, a hearing notice was generated under the SIR process after a logical discrepancy was detected in Sen’s enumeration form, largely due to spelling errors in his registered name in the electoral database.
The SIR is a methodical exercise mandated periodically to verify and update electoral rolls ahead of elections. Notices have been sent to millions of electors identified under various discrepancies.
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Sen, 92, has historically been registered in West Bengal’s electoral rolls and resides part-time in Bolpur, West Bengal. Sources say the notice came automatically due to the technical mismatch, and as per EC rules, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) will contact Sen’s residence to resolve the issue administratively. Officials clarified that Sen will not need to appear in person for a hearing, given his advanced age and eligibility for home verification.
The notice has become a flashpoint in West Bengal politics. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, criticised the poll body at a public rally, framing the notice to Sen as part of a broader “targeting” of prominent Bengali figures under the SIR exercise. Banerjee also cited similar notices reportedly issued to other public figures, describing the development as “sad” and politically motivated.
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However, EC officials emphasised that the notice was due to a technical spelling discrepancy and not an attempt to single out Sen or other individuals for political reasons. They reiterated that administrative corrections will be made at the local level without requiring formal hearings for elderly or ailing electors.
Sen’s family members have reportedly not yet received a formal personal notice, according to local sources. The incident reflects wider friction between the poll body and political parties in West Bengal over the SIR process, which has become contentious ahead of upcoming elections.
