Bengal faces potential NRC-like situation similar to Assam
Kolkata, India – West Bengal is currently navigating a complex political landscape that bears striking similarities to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) controversy that unfolded in Assam. The state is preparing for a special intensive revision of electoral rolls, a move that has raised concerns among various political factions and civil society groups regarding the implications for citizenship and representation.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the special revision process in December 2025, which is set to focus on constituencies with a significant population of Hindi speakers. This decision has sparked fears of potential disenfranchisement among certain communities, particularly in areas where the population is predominantly Muslim. The NRC, which was implemented in Assam in 2019, aimed to identify illegal immigrants but faced widespread criticism for its execution, leading to allegations of discrimination against Muslim residents.
The context of the current situation in West Bengal is rooted in the state’s demographic composition and its historical political dynamics. West Bengal has a diverse population, with significant communities of Bengali Hindus, Bengali Muslims, and Hindi-speaking migrants, particularly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The political landscape has been dominated by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both parties vying for influence among these communities.
The BJP has been vocal in its support for the NRC, arguing that it is necessary to protect the rights of Indian citizens and to identify illegal immigrants. In contrast, the TMC has opposed the NRC, claiming that it could lead to the marginalization of certain communities, particularly Muslims. The TMC has accused the BJP of using the NRC as a political tool to polarize voters along religious lines.
The timeline of events leading to the current situation began with the implementation of the NRC in Assam, which resulted in the exclusion of over 1.9 million people from the final list published in August 2019. Many of those excluded were Muslims, leading to widespread protests and legal challenges. The situation in Assam has since become a reference point for discussions about citizenship and identity across India, particularly in states with significant Muslim populations.
In West Bengal, the special intensive revision of electoral rolls is seen as a potential precursor to a similar NRC-like process. Critics argue that the focus on Hindi-speaking constituencies could disproportionately affect Muslim voters, as many of these areas have a significant number of Bengali Muslims who may face challenges in proving their citizenship. The ECI’s decision has prompted calls for transparency and accountability in the revision process, with demands for safeguards to protect the rights of all citizens.
The implications of this situation extend beyond West Bengal. The state is set to hold assembly elections in 2026, and the outcome could have significant ramifications for national politics. The BJP has been making inroads in West Bengal, and the party’s stance on the NRC could influence voter sentiment. If the revision process is perceived as discriminatory, it could galvanize opposition parties and civil society groups, leading to increased political mobilization among marginalized communities.
Moreover, the potential for an NRC-like situation in West Bengal raises broader questions about citizenship and identity in India. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was passed in December 2019, provides a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries. This legislation has been met with widespread protests and legal challenges, with critics arguing that it undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
As the special intensive revision of electoral rolls unfolds in West Bengal, the stakes are high for all political parties involved. The TMC and the BJP will need to navigate the complexities of identity politics while addressing the concerns of their respective constituencies. For the people of West Bengal, the outcome of this process could determine not only their political representation but also their sense of belonging in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.
In conclusion, the situation in West Bengal serves as a critical juncture in India’s ongoing discourse on citizenship, identity, and political representation. As the state prepares for its electoral roll revision, the implications of this process will be closely monitored by political analysts, civil society organizations, and the electorate, as they seek to understand the potential consequences for the future of democracy in India.
