In Santiniketan, a significant development unfolded on Friday as Amartya Sen's septuagenarian cousin stepped forward to represent the Nobel laureate at an election hearing. The hearing, part of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, saw Shantabhanu Sen, the economist's cousin and neighbor, submit crucial documents on his behalf.
Documents Submitted at the Hearing
Shantabhanu Sen presented copies of Amartya Sen's passport and his mother's death certificate to poll panel officials. He also offered to produce the Bharat Ratna certificate, though officials did not request it. The cousin carried an authorisation letter signed by Amartya Sen, who is currently in the USA serving as a professor at Harvard University.
Background of the Discrepancy
The Election Commission's ERO Net Portal flagged Amartya Sen's voter form due to a 'logical discrepancy'. It noted that the age gap between Sen and his mother appeared to be less than 15 years. However, Sen's family insists the actual gap is 19 years. This issue placed his form among those requiring a hearing.
According to the draft SIR roll, Amartya Sen's age is listed as 92. In contrast, the voters' list from the previous SIR in 2002, when Sen was 69, recorded his mother Amita Sen as 88 years old. This historical data supports the family's claim of a 19-year difference.
Family's Response and Local Reactions
Gitikantha Majumdar, who manages Pratichi—Sen's ancestral home—and handles his official matters in Santiniketan, provided details. "We handed over all documents to the election commission after obtaining permission from Prof Sen," Majumdar stated. He confirmed that photocopies of Sen's passport, mother's death certificate, Aadhaar card, and the 2002 voters' list were submitted.
Residents of Santiniketan expressed strong disapproval of the hearing. Anil Konar, secretary of Santiniketan Trust, remarked, "Amartya Sen is a Bharat Ratna. The India government itself has recognised him as a Ratna. The way the notice was issued to him was inappropriate." Konar, who also attended a hearing for his own form discrepancy, added that senior EC officials should have handled the matter privately.
Sabujkali Sen, a former teacher at Visva-Bharati, echoed these sentiments. "This is undesirable. India knows Amartya Sen, and so does the world. This could have been avoided," she said.
Political and Official Stances
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her opposition to the hearing. "If this goes on, not even 1% of voters will remain in Bengal," she asserted. Banerjee pledged to stand with the people and fight for their democratic rights, calling the summons to Amartya Sen unnecessary.
On the official side, Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal and his office declined to comment on the issue. The hearing proceeded without further demands from the election officials.
Voter History and Current Status
Amartya Sen became a voter in 2014 and cast his ballot at the Visva-Bharati Staff Club. In the 2026 draft SIR list, his name appears as Prabasi Bharatiya (non-resident Indian) in Part-274, with serial number 169. He is among the 95 lakh Bengal voters who received hearing notices for discrepancies in their enumeration forms.
The event highlights ongoing tensions in electoral processes and the respect accorded to national figures like Amartya Sen. It underscores the importance of accurate voter registration while raising questions about the handling of such cases involving eminent personalities.
