Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Election Commission Over Voter Mapping Errors

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Election Commission of India for alleged errors in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. Speaking at a Trinamool Congress meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee accused the poll panel of appointing observers without informing the state government. She stated that the Election Commission’s actions seemed to align with the BJP’s directives and highlighted significant flaws in the voter mapping process during the SIR. Banerjee also raised concerns about the lack of local language proficiency and training among central officers appointed as micro observers for the SIR hearings. She emphasized the need for proper equipment for these observers, who she claimed lacked understanding of Bengali, Lepcha, or Nepali languages. Additionally, Banerjee questioned the validity of certain changes made during the delimitation process, such as address modifications and name discrepancies between Bengali and English. She alleged that the BJP aimed to remove 1.5 crore voters from the electoral rolls in West Bengal and criticized the party for what she perceived as attempts to undermine democracy by bringing in outsiders for the elections. Banerjee urged party members to collaborate with local representatives to address issues related to the SIR. She expressed confidence that the upcoming assembly elections in 2026 would mark the end of the BJP’s influence in Bengal and called on supporters to unite in defeating the BJP government.