Run-up to 2026 state polls: Bengali migrants' safety, SIR likely to take centre stage

Kolkata: A special session of the West Bengal assembly will be held from September 1-4, with the state government likely to bring a censure motion on alleged torture and harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-ruled states across the country. It is also expected to table a resolution against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission, which is being held in Bihar ahead of the assembly election and could happen in West Bengal as well in the run-up to the 2026 state polls, said people familiar with the matter.

During the special session, assembly sittings will be held on September 1, 2 and 4, while September 3 is a state holiday on account of Karam Puja.

The All India Trinamool Congress leader (AITC) and chief minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concern over harassment of Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states from Rajasthan to Odisha. She has urged the migrants to return to West Bengal and launched the 'Shramshree' scheme to provide them financial assistance. The AITC will register its protest in the assembly against the SIR in the three-day special session.