Kolkata: As West Bengal gears up for its Assembly Elections in 2026, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh exuded confidence that his party is fully prepared to dislodge the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) from power. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Ghosh asserted, “Our party is ready; it is the opposition party here, and we are ready to push TMC out. The alliance is also strong, and the preparation for the elections will also be done by this month.”

Ghosh’s remarks come amid preparations by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, a crucial exercise ahead of the upcoming polls. The BJP leader emphasised that the party is monitoring the process closely and is confident of its ability to consolidate support across the state.

SIR Exercise Underway in West Bengal

The Special Intensive Revision aims to update and verify voter lists across all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal. As part of this exercise, over 80,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting house-to-house visits until December 4 to verify and update voter information. To assist citizens, 659 helpdesks have been established across the state.

A delegation from the Election Commission arrived in Kolkata on Tuesday for a review meeting of the SIR process. The Commission is overseeing the exercise to ensure accuracy and transparency, especially in a state that has witnessed considerable electoral controversy in the past. Ghosh highlighted that citizens are participating enthusiastically in the SIR, reflecting the importance of voter registration and verification ahead of the polls.

Phase Two of SIR Across India

The SIR is part of the second phase of the electoral roll revision across nine states and three Union Territories, covering nearly 51 crore electors. In addition to West Bengal, the states and UTs included are Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.

During the Enumeration Period, which began on November 4 and will continue until December 4, BLOs distribute unique, partially pre-filled Enumeration Forms (EFs) to each elector. To ensure maximum coverage, officials are required to visit households at least three times to distribute and collect these forms, allowing voters to update their personal details, such as age, address, or name corrections.

BJP’s Preparation for 2026 Polls

Speaking further on election preparedness, Dilip Ghosh highlighted that the BJP has strengthened its organizational base across West Bengal. The party is working to mobilize grassroots support and consolidate its alliances to challenge TMC’s dominance. “We are confident about our alliance, the groundwork is strong, and the preparations for the elections will be completed in time,” he said.

Ghosh also addressed concerns about controversies surrounding the SIR, asserting that the Election Commission is keeping a close watch to ensure a fair and transparent process. He encouraged voters to participate actively and complete the verification process, underlining that an updated electoral roll is essential for a credible election.

Political Context in West Bengal

The 2026 Assembly Elections are expected to be a high-stakes contest between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP-led alliance. TMC has been in power since 2011, and the BJP has been steadily increasing its presence in the state over the last two electoral cycles. Analysts suggest that the outcome of the upcoming polls could reshape West Bengal’s political landscape, especially with the SIR exercise potentially influencing voter turnout and participation.

In addition to Ghosh, party leaders across the state are reportedly intensifying grassroots engagement, including public outreach programs, rallies, and alliance-building initiatives. The BJP is keen to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiment and consolidate votes across urban and rural constituencies.

Significance of the SIR Exercise

The SIR is a critical exercise not only for voter verification but also for ensuring that eligible citizens can exercise their democratic right without hindrance. With nearly 51 crore electors being covered in this phase nationwide, the process also allows new voters to register and existing voters to correct discrepancies in their details.

For West Bengal, the SIR assumes added importance as the state has witnessed allegations of irregularities and disputes over voter lists in previous elections. The Election Commission’s oversight aims to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.

As the state moves closer to the 2026 Assembly elections, all political parties are gearing up for intense campaigning, with the BJP positioning itself as a formidable challenger to TMC’s long-standing rule. Dilip Ghosh’s confident statements signal that the party intends to leverage its organizational strength, alliances, and electoral preparedness to mount a serious challenge in the upcoming polls.