West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Summoned for Voter Verification Hearing
In a significant development ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, West Bengal Minister of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Shashi Panja, has been summoned for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing. The hearing is scheduled to take place on Sunday at Keshav Academy at 2 pm.
Minister's Response to the Summons
Speaking to the media, Panja announced her intention to attend the hearing, emphasizing her commitment to following due process. "I will stand in line. This is not right; many voters are being harassed," she stated, highlighting concerns about voter harassment during the verification process.
Panja elaborated on the notice she received, explaining that it indicated her details or those of her relatives had not been verified during scrutiny, rendering her an invalid voter since 2002. "No one else in my family has been summoned—only me. My husband and daughters have not been called," she noted, expressing her determination to present all necessary documents.
She further asserted, "I do not need any special benefit. I will stand in line with the common man and attend the hearing," underscoring her willingness to undergo the same procedure as ordinary citizens.
Former TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty Also Receives Notice
In a parallel development, former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mimi Chakraborty has also received a notice for the SIR hearing. According to sources, the former MP has confirmed her attendance at the hearing in Kasba, where she casts her vote, and will bring all required documents as specified in the notice.
Chakraborty entered active politics in 2019 when she was nominated by the TMC to contest from the Jadavpur constituency in South Kolkata. She won the election with a record margin, serving as an MP until her resignation in February 2024, after which she has distanced herself from politics.
Broader Context of Voter Verification in West Bengal
West Bengal's political and celebrity circles are currently abuzz with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This massive exercise aims to clean up the state's voter list ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with prominent figures including state ministers, former MPs, and international athletes appearing for verification hearings.
Recent examples include:
- Bengali actor and TMC MP Dev attended a verification hearing earlier this month at Katjunagar Swarnamayee Vidyapith (HS) in the Jadavpur area, submitting all necessary documents.
- Indian pacer Mohammed Shami appeared for his hearing on January 20 at a school in the Bikramgarh area of south Kolkata, bringing required documents. He is registered as a voter in ward number 93 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, part of the Rashbehari Assembly constituency.
This widespread verification process underscores the state's efforts to ensure electoral integrity and address discrepancies in voter registrations, with high-profile individuals like Panja and Chakraborty now part of this rigorous scrutiny.
