Debate across India continues to intensify over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Booth-level officers, armed with enumeration forms, are currently moving door-to-door to update voter information. The process is under way throughout West Bengal and has been rolled out simultaneously in 11 other states as well as several Union Territories.
Against this backdrop, popular Bengali singer Nachiketa Chakraborty — long associated with the Trinamool Congress and a familiar presence on the party’s annual 21 July “Martyrs’ Day” stage — delivered a sharply critical comment at a recent public event. Although he did not name the SIR directly, his remarks unmistakably targeted the voter-list revision process.
The singer said:
“There was a time when the people chose their politicians. Now the wheel has turned in the opposite direction — it is the politicians who decide which citizens will vote and who will not. Politicians are choosing the voters. We have reached a point where people no longer smile; they merely bare their teeth.”
Observers noted that Nachiketa appeared visibly irritated when questioned further about public protest. Many recalled the 2025 Martyrs’ Day event during which Minister Indranil Sen had invited him to sing a ‘song of protest’, prompting Nachiketa to perform the well-known line: “When time comes to a standstill…”
Once video footage of his latest remarks surfaced online, social-media platforms erupted. One commentator sneered, “That’s why he’s busy polishing slippers now…” Another wrote, “Does he remember these words when he’s on the 21 July stage?” A third added harshly, “He protested softly during the Left era — try it now and they’ll break your back.” Others mocked, “Protest? As if that would make you a heroic superstar!”
The reactions reveal a sharply divided public mood. Some praise Nachiketa for speaking uncomfortable truths, while others accuse him of opportunistic posturing. What is beyond doubt is that his comments have triggered yet another controversy at a politically sensitive moment.