Mamata Banerjee Launches Fierce Attack on Election Commission Over SIR Controversy
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has unleashed a blistering critique against the Election Commission following a high-stakes meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi. The confrontation centered on the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue, which has sparked significant political turmoil in the state.
"Arrogant and Dishonest" Allegations
Addressing the media after her encounter with EC officials, Mamata Banerjee did not mince words. "I have been in politics for many years. I have served as a four-time minister and a seven-time MP, but I have never seen an Election Commission as arrogant and dishonest as this one," she declared. The TMC supremo made these remarks while donning a black shawl as a symbolic gesture of protest, underscoring her deep dissatisfaction.
She expressed profound distress, stating, "We are hurt and distressed. We told them that we respect the institution because no chair is permanent for anyone, but they should not create such a dangerous precedent. Why is only Bengal being targeted?" Banerjee further claimed that the EC's actions have led to severe anxiety, alleging that "3-4 people die by suicide every day because of EC activity anxiety."
Concerns Over Democratic Process and AI Usage
Banerjee raised alarms about the integrity of the electoral process, arguing that elections should be a "festival of democracy." She criticized the EC for excluding thousands of individuals without due process. "You first excluded thousands of people and did not even give them a chance to defend themselves. In the name of AI, decisions are being taken... Even in cases of serious crimes like murder, if someone does not get a lawyer, the judiciary ensures the right to defence. If a person says, 'I want to defend myself,' that right is protected. But here, you removed 58 lakh people at one go without even asking who they were or what had happened," she asserted.
EC's Response and Counter-Allegations
Meanwhile, Election Commission officials provided a contrasting account of the meeting. They reported that Mamata Banerjee departed abruptly without hearing the EC's response. "When the CEC started to respond, the TMC leaders interjected on multiple occasions. She was agitated and left the meeting in a huff," sources revealed.
The CEC emphasized that the "rule of law will prevail" and warned that any attempts to take the law into one's own hands would be dealt with strictly under legal provisions. Additionally, CEC Kumar pointed out that TMC MLAs have been using abusive and threatening language towards the Commission, particularly targeting the Chief Election Commissioner. He also highlighted incidents where TMC workers and MLAs vandalized the offices of electoral registration officers.
Broader Implications and Political Standoff
This heated exchange underscores a deepening rift between the West Bengal government and the Election Commission. The SIR issue has become a flashpoint, with Banerjee threatening to gherao the EC office in Delhi over allegations that AI was used to delete 54 lakh names. The standoff reflects broader tensions over electoral integrity, federalism, and the use of technology in governance.
As the political drama unfolds, stakeholders are closely watching how this conflict will impact upcoming electoral processes and the democratic framework in India. The allegations and counter-allegations highlight the critical need for transparent and fair electoral practices to uphold the sanctity of democracy.
