Election Commission Dismisses Mamata Banerjee's Allegations, Details Confrontational Meeting
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday firmly rejected allegations made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to sources within the poll body, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader engaged in what they described as inappropriate conduct during a crucial meeting regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Alleged Misconduct During SIR Meeting
ECI sources claimed that during the delegation meeting, Mamata Banerjee raised false allegations, misbehaved, thumped the table, and abruptly left the proceedings. Despite what they termed as the polite posture maintained by CEC Gyanesh Kumar and two other Election Commissioners, the West Bengal chief minister allegedly failed to maintain decorum.
According to news agency ANI citing sources, CEC Kumar responded to Banerjee's queries by emphasizing that the rule of law would prevail throughout the SIR process. He explained that anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands would face strict action as per legal provisions and the powers vested in the Commission.
Broader Allegations Against TMC Leaders
The Election Commission further alleged that TMC leaders and legislators have been systematically targeting election officials in West Bengal. Sources stated that TMC MLAs are openly using abusive and threatening language against the Election Commission, with particular focus on the Chief Election Commissioner.
More seriously, the poll body reported incidents of vandalism at Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) offices by TMC workers and MLAs. The ECI stressed that officers involved in the SIR process must be allowed to function without any pressure, obstruction, or interference from political entities.
Administrative and Procedural Concerns Raised
The Election Commission highlighted several administrative issues in West Bengal, including:
- Incomplete honorarium payments for Booth Level Officers (BLOs), with only Rs 7,000 out of Rs 18,000 per BLO paid so far
- Deployment of Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers not meeting required rank criteria
- Only 67 Assembly constituencies currently have Returning Officers of the appropriate SDO or SDM rank
- Procedural lapses including the transfer of three Electoral Roll Observers without Commission consultation
- Failure to register FIRs against four election officers and one Data Entry Operator for statutory duty violations and data security breaches
Mamata Banerjee's Earlier Allegations
Earlier in the day, before the ECI's response, Mamata Banerjee had launched a sharp attack against the Chief Election Commissioner. Speaking to reporters outside the Election Commission office, she expressed disappointment and accused the CEC of arrogance and dishonesty.
I have been involved in politics in Delhi for a very long time. I was a minister four times and an MP seven times. I have never seen such an Election Commissioner who is so arrogant, who is such a liar, Banerjee stated.
The West Bengal chief minister accused the poll body of selectively targeting her state, particularly questioning the deletion of approximately 58 lakh voters' names without providing them an opportunity to defend themselves.
Political Context and Electoral Implications
This confrontation occurs at a critical juncture, with Assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled for the first half of this year. The political tension has intensified amid the ongoing nationwide Special Intensive Revision exercise, currently underway in 12 states and union territories.
The final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on February 7, making the current disputes particularly significant for the upcoming electoral process. The ECI's strong response indicates the Commission's determination to maintain procedural integrity amid heightened political scrutiny.
The exchange highlights the deepening rift between the Election Commission and West Bengal's ruling party as both sides prepare for crucial electoral battles in the coming months.
