Election Commission Approaches Supreme Court Over Violence in West Bengal Electoral Roll Revision
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday made an urgent appeal to the Supreme Court, seeking immediate intervention to curb what it described as a systematic pattern of violence and threats against its officials conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. In a strongly-worded affidavit, the poll body highlighted the alarming breakdown of administrative machinery in the state compared to the smooth conduct of similar exercises in other regions.
Allegations of Political Interference and Police Inaction
The Commission explicitly stated that the challenges faced in West Bengal are not inherent to the SIR process but result directly from inadequacies in state machinery and a climate of political interference. It particularly pointed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's public addresses, which it claimed have been inherently provocative and created an atmosphere of intimidation among election officials.
According to the affidavit, the CM engaged in fear mongering during a January 14 press conference, disseminating misleading information about the SIR process and overtly threatening poll officials. The Commission specifically mentioned how the CM publicly identified and targeted micro-observer Hari Das, thereby isolating an official performing statutory duties and subjecting him to unwarranted pressure.
Consequences: Officials Withdraw and Security Concerns Escalate
The situation has reached a critical point where nine micro-observers in Murshidabad constituency have collectively written to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, formally withdrawing from the SIR process. Their decision came after violent assaults by miscreants and inadequate security provisions. The Commission further reported that on January 15, a mob of approximately 700 people attacked a location where SIR work was being conducted in Uttar Dinajpur district.
Adding to these concerns, the Election Commission complained that police authorities are reluctant to register FIRs on complaints lodged by Booth Level Officers. In some instances, FIRs were documented only after intervention by district election officers, with arrests occurring belatedly. This contrasts sharply with other states where police have promptly registered FIRs on complaints by EC officials.
Unprecedented Security Measures and Supreme Court Appeal
Given the escalating ground situation, the Central government has provided 'Y+ security' cover to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, making him the only officer among his peers across all states to receive such protection. The Election Commission emphasized that this singular and alarming breakdown demands immediate Supreme Court intervention to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The Commission's plea comes on the same day Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee argued against the electoral roll revision in the Supreme Court. The poll body maintains that without judicial intervention, the independence, neutrality, and safety of election officials remain gravely compromised in West Bengal, threatening the fundamental democratic process of free and fair elections.
