A high-level delegation from the Trinamool Congress confronted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday, presenting shocking allegations connecting the deaths of booth level officers to the ongoing special intensive revision exercise in West Bengal.
Delegation Presents List of Fatalities
Led by Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien, the TMC team submitted a comprehensive list documenting 40 deaths, including 17 BLOs that they claim are "directly linked to SIR" activities. The delegation did not mince words during their meeting, directly accusing the Election Commission of responsibility for these tragic incidents.
"We shared the list of deaths and told the EC that you have blood on your hands," Derek O'Brien stated emphatically after the meeting. The senior parliamentarian revealed that the Chief Election Commissioner appeared completely taken aback by the information presented to him.
Background of the Confrontation
This dramatic meeting follows West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent written communication to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, where she urgently requested his "immediate intervention" concerning two critical issues affecting the electoral process in the state.
The Chief Minister had specifically highlighted concerns about the state chief electoral officer's directives that prevent district election officials from utilizing contractual data-entry personnel and Bangla Sahayata Kendra staff for the special intensive revision of voters' lists or any other election-related responsibilities.
Additionally, Banerjee raised objections to a proposal that suggests establishing polling stations within private residential complexes, citing potential accessibility and security issues for voters.
Prominent TMC Leaders Participate
The delegation comprised several prominent TMC parliamentarians, demonstrating the party's serious concern about the matter. The team included Lok Sabha MPs Satabdi Roy, Kalyan Banerjee, Pratima Mondal, Sajda Ahmed, and Mahua Moitra, alongside Rajya Sabha members Dola Sen, Mamata Thakur, Saket Gokhale, and Prakash Chik Barik.
The special intensive revision process is currently underway across 12 states and Union Territories, with West Bengal being one of the key regions where this comprehensive voter list update is being implemented.
This confrontation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the ruling party in West Bengal and the Election Commission of India, raising serious questions about the working conditions of election officials and the implementation of electoral processes in the state.
