West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose Says SIR Process Triggering Reverse Migration of Infiltrators

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has strongly defended the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, claiming it has resulted in the reverse migration of illegal infiltrators from the state to Bangladesh.

Speaking to India Today, Governor Bose described the SIR exercise as a necessary step to “cleanse the system” and prevent unlawful interference in India’s electoral process.

“The reality came to the fore once the SIR process began. There has been an outflow of illegal migrants,” Bose said, asserting that the drive has exposed individuals who allegedly infiltrated the state and influenced elections unlawfully.

SIR Process and Border Assessment

The Governor’s remarks came after his recent visit to the Hakimpur border, where he reviewed ground-level developments related to border security and voter verification. Bose maintained that the SIR exercise is aimed at identifying and eliminating fake or illegal entries from electoral rolls.

According to him, individuals who do not meet legal eligibility criteria are now being filtered out, leading to what he described as a natural reverse movement across the border.

“The SIR process will ensure that infiltrators who meddle in elections are eliminated from the system,” he said.

Political Tussle in West Bengal

The Governor’s statement has further intensified the ongoing political confrontation between Raj Bhavan and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal. The state’s ruling party has repeatedly questioned the intent and timing of the SIR exercise, alleging political motives behind the drive.

However, Raj Bhavan has maintained that the process is constitutional, lawful and essential for safeguarding democratic institutions.

Focus on Electoral Integrity

Governor Bose underlined that the SIR process is not targeted at any community but is designed to protect the sanctity of elections. He stressed that electoral rolls must remain free from illegal manipulation to ensure free and fair democratic participation.

The issue continues to remain a flashpoint in Bengal’s political discourse, with the SIR process now firmly at the centre of debates on migration, border security and electoral integrity.