Amidst the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticized the Election Commission (EC) and the central government, escalating her accusations to include negligence leading to a tragic loss of life. Banerjee's criticism coincides with preparations for National Voters' Day, further intensifying the political climate in the state.
Banerjee has been a vocal critic of the SIR, alleging that the process is flawed and designed to disenfranchise voters for the political benefit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She has repeatedly accused the EC of acting as a "rubber stamp" for the BJP and of threatening state government officials. The Chief Minister claims the SIR process is a "fraud" that excludes the state government and intimidates officers. She has gone so far as to label the SIR as "votebandi," drawing a parallel to demonetization and suggesting it is a form of "super emergency" imposed by the BJP.
In a recent statement, Banerjee claimed that over 110 people have died due to anxiety and distress caused by the SIR process. She stated that three to four people are dying by suicide every day in West Bengal because of the SIR. She has demanded that the EC and the central government take responsibility for these deaths and questioned why a First Information Report (FIR) should not be filed against the poll body. "The Election Commission of India will have to take responsibility for these deaths, the Government of India will also have to take responsibility," Banerjee asserted.
Banerjee has written five letters to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar since November 2025, outlining her concerns and allegations regarding the SIR. She alleges serious procedural lapses, voter harassment, wrongful deletion of eligible electors, and disenfranchisement due to flawed AI-based digitization of voter lists. She has also pointed out discrepancies such as minor spelling variations leading to issues, re-opened hearings, and deviations from EC guidelines, causing confusion and resentment. Banerjee urges immediate intervention to protect voters' democratic rights and ensure transparency in the electoral process.
The Chief Minister has also accused BJP leaders of threatening government officials associated with the SIR to get genuine voters' names deleted. She claims the EC is snatching the voting rights of millions to favor the BJP, alleging a conspiracy to manipulate the electoral process. Banerjee has stated that attempts are being made to disrespect national icons and change the country's history.
The EC has maintained that no valid voters' names will be removed during the SIR. However, Banerjee remains unconvinced and has called for an immediate halt to the revision process. She has also stated that she will not allow a single valid voter's name to be struck from the electoral rolls.
As National Voters' Day approaches, the political atmosphere in West Bengal remains charged. Banerjee's strong accusations against the EC and the central government, coupled with the tragic reports of deaths linked to the SIR, have created a tense situation. The upcoming elections in 2026 add another layer of complexity to the issue, with all parties vying for control in the state. The focus remains on whether the EC will address Banerjee's concerns and take steps to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, and whether the state government and central bodies can cooperate to alleviate the distress and anxiety surrounding the SIR.
