Looks like after Bihar, West Bengal is the next state facing heat from the Centre and ECI (Election Commission of India) for revamping the SIR (Special Intensive Revision).
However, this has now escalated into a major political confrontation, with tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the ECI, intensifying. A high-level meeting between a 10-member TMC delegation and senior ECI officials ended in sharp exchanges, further deepening one of the most polarizing political battles of the year.
ECI Gives Point-by-Point Rebuttal to TMC Allegations
During the meeting, the Election Commission strongly countered what it described as ‘baseless allegations‘ raised by the TMC. Sources within the Commission said the delegation was categorically told to wait until December 9, when the draft electoral rolls will be made public, before submitting claims or objections.
- The ECI underlined that the party must refrain from interfering with the professional duties of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs).
- All of these officials are state government employees deputed to conduct election-related responsibilities and must function independently.
- Officials further claimed that the TMC was specifically cautioned not to influence or threaten BLOs, particularly in relation to the verification of deceased, shifted or duplicate voters.
- Reinforcing its stand on voter eligibility, the Commission reminded the delegation that only Indian citizens are eligible to vote, citing Article 326 of the Constitution, adding that no foreign national can be enlisted.
ECI Introduces Strong Measures After Recent Incidents
In response to recent tensions and reports of pressure tactics, the ECI has adopted several new administrative and security steps to safeguard the integrity of the SIR process. A special roll observer has been appointed for West Bengal to monitor the voter list revision. The Commission has also issued directives to the Director General of Police (DGP), West Bengal, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner to ensure that BLOs are not intimidated by political workers.
To improve accessibility for urban and marginalized voters, all DEOs have been instructed to set up new polling booths in slums, high-rise complexes and gated communities, in accordance with national norms.
Amid concerns over security lapses at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, the ECI has ordered the premises to be shifted to a more secure location. The Kolkata Police Commissioner has been directed to provide full protection to both the existing office and the new proposed site.
Why has the SIR Become Big?
The TMC has repeatedly accused the Election Commission of mismanagement, bias and undue administrative pressure during the SIR. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has constantly raised serious concerns about the ongoing process, pointing to reports of BLO overwork and alleged deaths. While the ECI agreed to meet the party delegation, the confrontation appears to have widened instead of bringing clarity.
Simultaneously, the TMC has initiated a major organizational restructuring to strengthen its on-ground oversight during the SIR. According to party sources, Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with “inconsistent progress” in several districts, prompting a sweeping internal review.
TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has deployed nine senior leaders for district-level monitoring and warned that inadequate engagement might create volatile situations ahead of the 2026 state elections. Abhishek has already submitted an initial review to the Chief Minister and is expected to present a detailed follow-up report on December 6.
Be First to Comment