West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a severe attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that its ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists has led to a tragic human cost in the state. The CM claims the process has resulted in 77 deaths and caused widespread harassment to ordinary citizens.
Explosive Allegations in Letter to CEC
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Mamata Banerjee expressed deep shock and disturbance. She stated that an exercise meant to be constructive and productive has instead turned deadly. The CM's letter cites 77 deaths, 4 suicide attempts, and 17 persons falling sick requiring hospitalisation since the revision drive began over two months ago.
Banerjee accused the ECI of undertaking the procedure without proper planning, leading to fear, intimidation, and a disproportionate workload on both citizens and officials. She argued that the revision, which forms the bedrock of democracy, is being conducted in a mechanical manner driven purely by technical data, completely devoid of necessary human judgment, sensitivity, and application of mind.
'Relentless Harassment' of Ordinary Citizens
The Trinamool Congress chief asserted that the Election Commission appears to be "relentlessly harassing ordinary citizens" during the SIR. She highlighted that the process is subjecting people to unreasonable pressure and excessive administrative scrutiny, causing extreme confusion and stress.
The situation has reportedly taken a heavy toll on the ground-level staff as well. Several Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have allegedly died due to health complications or by suicide, which is attributed to the increased and unplanned workload imposed by the revision exercise.
Move to Supreme Court Over 'Inhumane' Conditions
In a significant escalation, Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday her intention to approach the Supreme Court of India regarding the matter. She plans to challenge what she terms the "inhumane treatment" meted out to citizens and officials during the Special Intensive Revision drive in West Bengal.
This move underscores the severity of the allegations and the state government's determination to seek judicial intervention against the Election Commission's conduct. The revision process, critical for updating electoral rolls, has thus become a major flashpoint between the West Bengal administration and the constitutional body tasked with overseeing elections.
The Chief Minister's letter and subsequent threat of legal action bring to the fore the intense debate over administrative procedures and their human impact, especially when such exercises are perceived as lacking adequate planning and empathy.
