Election Commission extends date for submitting objections to SIR till January 19

The Election Commission of India extended the deadline for submitting objections under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls until January 19, following protests across West Bengal over SIR hearing process issues. Protests erupted in several areas, with locals blocking trains and roads, citing harassment at SIR hearings. Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged that at least 82 people have died due to the SIR process, while a Booth Level Officer (BLO), Ashok Das, was found dead by suicide on Thursday. The Election Commission stated that Madhyamik (Class 10) admit cards are not valid age proof for verification purposes in the SIR process.