West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Approaches Supreme Court Over Electoral Roll Revision
In a significant legal move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court of India to challenge the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the poll-bound state. The petition, filed on January 28, names the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal as respondents, escalating a political and administrative confrontation ahead of the anticipated assembly elections in April–May.
Legal Challenge Against Election Commission's Process
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo had earlier announced her decision to move the apex court on January 3, following her criticism of the electoral roll revision. The petition is yet to be listed for hearing, but it joins multiple other petitions related to the SIR already before the Supreme Court, including those filed by TMC MPs. This legal action underscores the deepening rift between the state government and the central election body over the integrity of the voter list preparation.
Allegations of Arbitrary and Flawed Procedures
In a strongly worded letter dated January 3 to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Banerjee urged a halt to what she described as an "arbitrary and flawed" revision process. She accused the ECI of conducting an "unplanned, ill-prepared and ad hoc" exercise riddled with "serious irregularities, procedural violations, and administrative lapses." Her petition in the Supreme Court likely amplifies these concerns, seeking judicial intervention to ensure electoral fairness.
Warnings of Mass Disenfranchisement
Escalating her criticism, Banerjee has warned that continuing the SIR in its present form could lead to "mass disenfranchisement" and undermine the "foundations of democracy." This stark allegation highlights the high stakes involved, as electoral roll accuracy is crucial for free and fair elections in a politically charged state like West Bengal. The Chief Minister's move reflects her party's strategy to safeguard voter rights and challenge perceived overreach by the election authorities.
The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the upcoming assembly elections, potentially influencing voter eligibility and the overall electoral process in West Bengal. As the Supreme Court considers the petition, political observers are closely watching for developments that might shape the democratic exercise in the state.
