TMC begins groundwork for second phase of SIR

TMC sources admit that the party's grassroots economic ecosystem is closely tied to the local municipalities and panchayat, which were seen actively canvassing in neighbourhoods during the first phase

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

With the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ending Thursday and the draft rolls set for publication next week, the ruling TMC in West Bengal has already launched an aggressive three-track strategy to protect its voter base in the second phase, party leaders said.

Senior leaders told PTI that the party has begun “early groundwork” on three crucial fronts bringing back migrant workers to ensure in-person verification, identifying and assisting document-less voters, and adding the names of newly married women who have shifted residences.

‘The party, they said, has instructed its organisation down to the booth and block levels to remain “on high alert.”

"A senior TMC leader said, “The first phase created some wounds because of the pressure exerted by the Commission. The second phase offers us the chance to apply the balm. We cannot afford to slip.”

‘The first major thrust area is voters who lack the 2002 family linkage on the rolls as well as any of the documents prescribed by the Election Commission.

TMC leaders concede that this group is vulnerable and at risk of exclusion.