Kolkata, November 24, 2025 - West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has escalated her conflict with the Election Commission (EC), penning a strongly worded letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Banerjee's letter, punctuated with a tone of urgency and distress, raises critical questions about the methodology, timelines, and human cost associated with the SIR.
The Chief Minister's primary concern stems from the immense pressure placed on Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are tasked with the door-to-door verification and updating of voter information. Banerjee alleges that BLOs are being subjected to "inhuman working conditions" due to the compressed timelines of the SIR, which has allegedly condensed a process that previously took three years into a mere three months. She claims that BLOs are not receiving adequate training, support, or time to complete their duties, and that the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has resorted to "intimidation" by issuing unjustified show-cause notices and threatening disciplinary action.
Banerjee's letter highlights the tragic consequences of this alleged mismanagement, pointing to the recent deaths of two BLOs, allegedly due to SIR-related stress. Rinku Tarafdar, a para-teacher and BLO from Nadia district, was found dead in her home, leaving behind a suicide note expressing her inability to cope with the "inhuman work pressure". Shanti Muni Ekka, an anganwadi worker and BLO from Jalpaiguri, also reportedly died due to the overwhelming demands of the SIR process. "How many more lives will be lost?" Banerjee questioned, expressing her "profound shock" over the incidents.
"Why? Why? Why?" Banerjee's letter echoes, questioning the EC's rationale behind pushing forward with the SIR despite the alleged flaws and tragic consequences. She argues that the absence of basic preparedness, adequate planning, and clear communication has crippled the process from the outset. She also raised concerns about the timing of the SIR, which coincides with the peak of paddy harvesting and Rabi sowing season in Bengal, adding pressure on officials and citizens alike.
Banerjee also alleges that forms are being systematically diverted to the ruling party, with BLOs being coerced into submitting fraudulent declarations. She warns that continuing with the "unplanned, coercive drive" will not only endanger more lives but also jeopardize the legitimacy of the electoral revision itself. She urged the CEC to "intervene decisively" to halt the ongoing exercise, stop coercive measures, provide proper training and support, and thoroughly reassess the present methodology and timelines.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reacted sharply to Banerjee's accusations, dismissing her concerns as a political stunt. BJP leaders have accused Banerjee of trying to halt the SIR process because she fears losing her voter base ahead of the 2026 elections. They allege that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has historically benefited from illegal migration and manipulation of electoral rolls, and that the SIR is disrupting this "ecosystem".
The Election Commission has yet to officially respond to Banerjee's letter. However, sources within the ECI have stated that BLOs have received comprehensive training and support. The controversy surrounding the SIR in West Bengal highlights the challenges of balancing electoral reforms with the well-being of election workers and the need for greater transparency and communication in the electoral process.
