West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed concerns to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. Banerjee alleges that the revision process is focused on deleting and excluding existing voters rather than correcting errors or adding new voters. She criticized the categorization of voters under “logical discrepancy” and the inconvenience caused to genuine voters summoned for hearings on claims and objections.
Banerjee emphasized in her letter that the objective of the revision process appears to be solely focused on deletion and exclusion, rather than correction or inclusion in the electoral rolls. She described this approach as unprecedented and detrimental to the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. The Chief Minister also expressed disappointment over the lack of response expected from the Chief Election Commissioner, despite her duty to provide details on the matter.
The Chief Minister accused the Election Commission of displaying a bias and autocratic behavior in its handling of the revision exercise, deviating from its role as a constitutional authority. She raised concerns about the Commission’s appointment of observers and micro-observers without adequate training, leading to reports of misconduct and verbal abuse towards citizens. Banerjee objected to the Commission’s decision to provide security cover for these observers during the Gangasagar Mela, stressing the primary responsibility of the state police to protect ordinary citizens.
