Mamata Banerjee calls ECI’s roll revision process “illegal and undemocratic”
Says poll panel using BJP-linked tools in revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal
Kolkatta: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), stating that it is illegally using mobile applications developed by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) IT cell to conduct the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking to reporters at Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas district, Banerjee described the ECI’s actions as “illegal, unconstitutional, and undemocratic.” She said that the poll panel was “resorting to all kinds of wrong moves”, adding it is marking eligible voters as deceased, forcing elderly and ill citizens to attend hearings, and employing partisan tools to manipulate the process.
“This cannot go on,” Banerjee declared, urging citizens to stay vigilant during the SIR process and support those facing difficulties. “You don’t need to support me; support only those who are in trouble because of this exercise.”
Earlier, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien filed a petition in the Indian Supreme Court, challenging the ECI’s “arbitrary and procedurally irregular” methods in the SIR. The TMC argued that the revision has caused significant hardships for bona fide voters, with over 1.36 crore electors affected by what they describe as “logical discrepancies” and a lack of transparency in the process.
The confrontation escalates ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with Banerjee having previously announced plans to approach the court personally. She reiterated claims of harassment leading to health issues and deaths among affected voters.
The ongoing revision of electoral rolls has sparked widespread controversy in West Bengal, with the TMC viewing it as targeted disenfranchisement.
