Orange alert as rain leaves Gurugram waterlogged; disrupts traffic The Sector 52A market was among the most affected areas, with visuals showing commuters wading through knee-deep water Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:14:38 IST By Sampurna Panigrahi, Mihika Shah
‘Buy buy buy!’: Foreign tourist reacts to duty-free shopping after Delhi immigration A foreign tourist has posted a video of his Delhi airport experience, questioning the shopping pitches he encountered just after immigration. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
India security chief visits China for border talks India security chief visits China for border talks Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:06:38 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link India's top security official arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the countries' disputed Himalayan border
Twenty-one former international cricket captains, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar, on Sunday urged Pakistan to ensure that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is examined by a medical board, as directed by the country’s Supreme Court, The Hindu reported
A 25-year-old entrepreneur with a net worth of around ₹4.35 crore has turned to Reddit for advice after a sharp decline in the business that helped him build his fortune. Despite his wealth, he says he is now unsure about what to do next and feels “completely lost
Not a chief guests, celebrity or VIP, but a humanoid robot stole the spotlight at a sandwich shop inauguration. A video from the celebratory event has gone viral, where the robot was seen arriving at the venue with bodyguards. It then proceeded to greet guests and even broke into a dance
‘Jo bhi hai, tera ghar hai’: American compares Indian and US hospitality An American Hindi speaker’s take on Indian hospitality has viewers discussing the differences between socialising in India and the US. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:31:09 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share
Manipur: 1 CRPF personnel injured, 2 houses burnt by unknown armed individuals The gunfight broke out after two houses belonging to separate communities were set ablaze by an unidentified group of people Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:49:38 IST By Thomas Ngangom
Lost in SIR debate
Lost in SIR debate: Muslim attrition from Trinamool Congress
Lost in SIR debate: Muslim attrition from Trinamool Congress
Muslims on the electoral roll, rather than those who were possibly disenfranchised because of SIR, might have a bigger role in the TMC’s poor showing this time
Updated on: May 06, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Roshan Kishore, Nishant Ranjan Share via Copy link The electoral impact of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal continues to animate political discussion in the state. SIR’s adjudication phase, which was unique to West Bengal, led to disproportionate deletions in Muslim dominated districts and assembly constituencies (ACs) in the state. These pages showed yesterday why the difference in absolute votes polled by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) being similar to total SIR deletions in the state is not compelling proof that the SIR helped the BJP win West Bengal elections. Trinamol Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee speaks to people after special morning namaz on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr on March 21 (HT File Photo/Samir Jana) A deeper analysis of the election results provides more evidence that the obsession with attributing TMC’s loss to SIR is misplaced. In fact, Muslims on the electoral roll, rather than those who were possibly disenfranchised because of SIR, might have played a bigger role in the TMC’s poor showing this time. Here is how. GFX The first piece of evidence is the most obvious and was highlighted yesterday as well. The number of Muslim MLAs in the West Bengal assembly has remained almost unchanged. It was 44 in 2021 and is 40 in 2026. However, what has changed significantly is the number of non-TMC, non-BJP Muslim MLAs. It was just one in 2021: the Left Front backed Indian Secular Front (ISF) candidate in Bhangar. The number has increased to six in 2026: two from the Congress, two from the Aam Janata Unnayan Party floated by the former TMC leader Humayun Kabir, one from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one from Left Front backed ISF. The number of Muslim MLAs from the TMC has fallen from 43 in 2021 to 34 in 2026. This suggests that non-TMC Muslim candidates had a greater appeal to defeat the BJP in 2026 than in 2021. The BJP did not put up any Muslim candidates in 2026. The second piece of evidence is a more broad-based measure of fragmentation in Muslim votes and looks at spoiler candidates. This analysis uses a relatively strict criterion for defining a spoiler candidate: a third placed candidate who polled more votes than the victory margin. The number of spoiler candidates fell from 118 in 2021 to 89 in 2026. However, the number of spoilers where the TMC was the victim (finishing second) remained unchanged at 43 in both 2021 and 2026. What is even more revealing is the fact that number of Muslim spoiler candidates for the TMC increased from just two in 2021 to 11 in 2026. The number of ACs in which BJP was the victim fell from 67 to 37 between 2021 and 2026. This was led by a large fall in number of non-Muslim spoiler candidates hurting the BJP, down from 59 in 2021 to 18 in 2026, even though the number of Muslim spoilers which cost the BJP a victory increased from eight to 19. The numbers presented above support the conclusion from the first set of numbers of an increase in non-TMC non-BJP Muslim MLAs between 2021 and 2026. The number of ACs where Muslims played spoiler — possibly resulting from greater fragmentation in Muslim votes — increased between 2021 and 2026. The third piece of statistical evidence is the most compelling. HT has compared district-wise vote share of the BJP, TMC and non-TMC non-BJP candidates in 2021 and 2026 elections. Because we do not have AC-wise data on religious break-up of population, this is the best proxy for comparing party-performance by religious composition of the electorate. BJP’s vote share shows a fall as one goes from low to high Muslim population share districts in both 2021 and 2026. This makes sense given the assumption that Muslims do not vote for the BJP. In 2021, TMC’s vote share showed an increasing trend in districts as population share of Muslims increased. This does not hold in 2026. The TMC polled its second lowest vote share in Murshidabad district, which has the state’s highest Muslim population share. Is this a result of Muslims being deleted under the SIR process? Accepting this argument requires running the final statistical check by looking at the district-wise vote share of non-BJP non-TMC parties. It was almost uniformly low and flat in the 2021 elections barring the Darjeeling district. Darjeeling has the lowest share of Muslim population, but the TMC did not field its own candidates in most ACs in the district in 2021, and supported various regional Gurkha outfits. In 2026, the non-TMC non-BJP vote share and Muslim population share best fit line shows a rising trend as Muslim population share increases. It is the highest in Murshidabad district, where the TMC has polled its second lowest vote share. Five of the six non-TMC, non-BJP MLAs are from Murshidabad district. Murshidabad saw the highest proportionate voter deletions during the adjudication process of SIR, which led to higher deletions in Muslim dominated districts and ACs, as we had shown earlier. Anybody who reads all three sets of numbers cited here must concede that at least some of the Muslims who remained on the electoral roll have moved away from the TMC between 2021 and 2026 , picking another non-BJP alternative. The reason for this could not have been SIR and ought to be found in the TMC’s politics. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Roshan Kishore Roshan Kishore is the Data and Political Economy Editor at Hindustan Times. His weekly column for HT Premium Terms of Trade appears every Friday. West Bengal Check India news real-time updates, latest news from India on Hindustan Times and more across India. News/India News/Lost In SIR Debate: Muslim Attrition From Trinamool Congress See LessThe electoral impact of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal continues to animate political discussion in the state. SIR’s adjudication phase, which was unique to West Bengal, led to disproportionate deletions in Muslim dominated districts and assembly constituencies (ACs) in the state. These pages showed yesterday why the difference in absolute votes polled by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) being similar to total SIR deletions in the state is not compelling proof that the SIR helped the BJP win West Bengal elections.
A deeper analysis of the election results provides more evidence that the obsession with attributing TMC’s loss to SIR is misplaced. In fact, Muslims on the electoral roll, rather than those who were possibly disenfranchised because of SIR, might have played a bigger role in the TMC’s poor showing this time. Here is how.
The first piece of evidence is the most obvious and was highlighted yesterday as well. The number of Muslim MLAs in the West Bengal assembly has remained almost unchanged. It was 44 in 2021 and is 40 in 2026. However, what has changed significantly is the number of non-TMC, non-BJP Muslim MLAs. It was just one in 2021: the Left Front backed Indian Secular Front (ISF) candidate in Bhangar. The number has increased to six in 2026: two from the Congress, two from the Aam Janata Unnayan Party floated by the former TMC leader Humayun Kabir, one from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one from Left Front backed ISF. The number of Muslim MLAs from the TMC has fallen from 43 in 2021 to 34 in 2026. This suggests that non-TMC Muslim candidates had a greater appeal to defeat the BJP in 2026 than in 2021. The BJP did not put up any Muslim candidates in 2026.
The second piece of evidence is a more broad-based measure of fragmentation in Muslim votes and looks at spoiler candidates. This analysis uses a relatively strict criterion for defining a spoiler candidate: a third placed candidate who polled more votes than the victory margin. The number of spoiler candidates fell from 118 in 2021 to 89 in 2026. However, the number of spoilers where the TMC was the victim (finishing second) remained unchanged at 43 in both 2021 and 2026. What is even more revealing is the fact that number of Muslim spoiler candidates for the TMC increased from just two in 2021 to 11 in 2026. The number of ACs in which BJP was the victim fell from 67 to 37 between 2021 and 2026. This was led by a large fall in number of non-Muslim spoiler candidates hurting the BJP, down from 59 in 2021 to 18 in 2026, even though the number of Muslim spoilers which cost the BJP a victory increased from eight to 19.
The numbers presented above support the conclusion from the first set of numbers of an increase in non-TMC non-BJP Muslim MLAs between 2021 and 2026. The number of ACs where Muslims played spoiler — possibly resulting from greater fragmentation in Muslim votes — increased between 2021 and 2026.
The third piece of statistical evidence is the most compelling. HT has compared district-wise vote share of the BJP, TMC and non-TMC non-BJP candidates in 2021 and 2026 elections. Because we do not have AC-wise data on religious break-up of population, this is the best proxy for comparing party-performance by religious composition of the electorate.
BJP’s vote share shows a fall as one goes from low to high Muslim population share districts in both 2021 and 2026. This makes sense given the assumption that Muslims do not vote for the BJP.
In 2021, TMC’s vote share showed an increasing trend in districts as population share of Muslims increased. This does not hold in 2026. The TMC polled its second lowest vote share in Murshidabad district, which has the state’s highest Muslim population share. Is this a result of Muslims being deleted under the SIR process?
Accepting this argument requires running the final statistical check by looking at the district-wise vote share of non-BJP non-TMC parties. It was almost uniformly low and flat in the 2021 elections barring the Darjeeling district. Darjeeling has the lowest share of Muslim population, but the TMC did not field its own candidates in most ACs in the district in 2021, and supported various regional Gurkha outfits.
In 2026, the non-TMC non-BJP vote share and Muslim population share best fit line shows a rising trend as Muslim population share increases. It is the highest in Murshidabad district, where the TMC has polled its second lowest vote share. Five of the six non-TMC, non-BJP MLAs are from Murshidabad district. Murshidabad saw the highest proportionate voter deletions during the adjudication process of SIR, which led to higher deletions in Muslim dominated districts and ACs, as we had shown earlier.
Anybody who reads all three sets of numbers cited here must concede that at least some of the Muslims who remained on the electoral roll have moved away from the TMC between 2021 and 2026 , picking another non-BJP alternative. The reason for this could not have been SIR and ought to be found in the TMC’s politics.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: "electoral impact,Special Intensive Revision,electoral roll,West Bengal,Trinamool Congress"
No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:51:09 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Bengaluru, Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader on Monday assured the public that there was no
8 hours ago
‘You endorse misogyny, cut the crap’: Shehzad Poonawalla joins BJP attack on Rahul Gandhi's ‘smash patriarchy’ call Shehzad Poonawalla and BJP were responding to Rahul Gandhi's call to "smash the patriarchy" during his party's 'Chhatro ki Goonj' programme in Pune. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
For Delhi-NCR residents, Guleria struck a reassuring note while explaining why this year’s wave has felt worse, but citizens need not panic The H1N1 virus driving Delhi-NCR’s current flu surge appears to be changing its structure — a process that is making it spread faster and slip past the
11 hours ago
A job applicant’s unusual rejection from a software engineering internship has left the internet divided after the candidate was reportedly turned down over the name of their resume file. The incident was highlighted in a now-viral post on X by user @adnaannasir_
11 hours ago
Elderly woman killed, husband injured in SUV hit-and-run at Delhi's posh GK-1 The woman, identified as Shashi, was declared brought dead at the hospital, while her husband Kulbhushan (65), was left injured. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 11:00:26 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
11 hours ago
Woman reflects on high-rise living in big cities: ‘Even the slice of the sky is fixed for us’ A woman shared her thoughts on high-rise life, saying big-city living can feel confined despite better work opportunities. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
Governor Abdullah Sarhadi gives money to treat a boy's broken arm and hands out funds for a local mosque - then, in his office in northern Afghanistan, an astonishing exchange unfolds. A young woman tells the grey-bearded former Taliban commander that she wants to divorce her husband
11 hours ago
Andy Burnham is marking his first foreign visit as prime minister with a trip to Kyiv - and will hand over blueprints so Ukraine can build its own long-range missiles. The prime minister will chair his first meeting of the "coalition of the willing"
11 hours ago
Apple’s next iPhone launch is getting closer, and the company’s usual September schedule is beginning to take shape. According to a recent Forbes report, Apple could hold its special event on Wednesday, September 9, where it is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
11 hours ago
Fugitive gangster Goldy Brar has, in an audio clip, purportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, The Indian Express reported. The newspaper said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip
11 hours ago
Dad crashes daughter’s late-night work meeting over parcels: ‘Ek paise ki saving nahi karti’ A father’s surprise appearance during his daughter’s work call turns into a lecture on spending and saving. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 10:56:44 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via
11 hours ago
A Zimbabwean content creator’s tongue-in-cheek take on life in India has caught the attention of social media users after he shared 10 everyday conveniences that have completely changed his standard of living. From paying for almost everything with just a phone to having food
11 hours ago
Starting September 1, passengers traveling internationally will be required to use an e-boarding pass on their smartphones for immigration clearance, as announced by immigration authorities. This significant change comes as the Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
14 hours ago
The September 2026 US Visa Bulletin brings a mixed picture for Indian green card applicants. While some family-sponsored categories have moved forward, several employment-based categories remain severely constrained, with two India-specific categories listed as unavailable and the State Department
14 hours ago
The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to 777 drivers for lacking practical knowledge of Marathi, The Hindu quoted unidentified officials as saying on Saturday. A total of 5,211 drivers were tested during a statewide inspection campaign that began on August 20, including 3
14 hours ago
19-year-old killed, friend injured after truck hits motorcycle on Delhi's Indraprastha flyover A police team reached the spot and found a motorcycle lying in a damaged condition and two people seriously injured. One of them died in the hospital. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
14 hours ago
Indian woman reveals why her family returned to India after 13 years in US: ‘You don’t really belong here’ A woman shared five reasons her family decided to leave the US and return to India after 13 years. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:43:56 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google
14 hours ago
New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:28 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday on his first international
14 hours ago
Bengaluru vs Gurgaon? Man who lived in both cities explains why the comparison is ‘completely pointless’ A man said the Bengaluru versus Gurgaon debate was pointless and urged people to live in both cities before deciding. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
14 hours ago
Circle Wealth CIO and Managing Partner Chadha said the market was rewarding companies with strong earnings and improving outlooks, even as large-cap stocks remained under pressure. Diwali season is expected to bring a fresh boost for Indian equities following strong corporate earnings
14 hours ago
The restriction was imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which governs the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics. The central government on Saturday restricted the manufacturing, sale and distribution of all fixed-dose combinations (FDCs)
14 hours ago
Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:29 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ukraine on Monday hosts a meeting of its key European backers to press for critical
14 hours ago
'Trouble proving citizenship after representing India in 3 countries': Ex-envoy to ECI over Punjab SIR Suri served as India’s ambassador to the UAE and Egypt and high commissioner to Australia. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:34:33 IST By HT Correspondent Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
14 hours ago
2 killed after illegal building in Hyderabad's Gachibowli caves in Officials alleged that the building was built over or adjacent to a drain without the required permissions. Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:41:02 IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link At least two
1 days ago
J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:43:04 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ramgarh
1 days ago
Jaiñtia Hills to the G7: Can Meghalaya turn ‘Lakadong’ into a global brand? The high-curcumin turmeric has gone from an obscure hill crop to a GI-tagged premium product showcased before world leaders. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:48:20 IST By David Laitphlang
1 days ago
Ex-NRI shares why she takes auto for 1 km ride to gym after moving to India: 'Life here is a compromise' The woman shared that she has to walk through an area where "everybody stares", while the pathway is "ubad-khabad", dirty and encroached. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
