West Bengal Chief Minister Raises Alarm Over Tech Glitches
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has formally raised serious concerns with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In a significant allegation, she stated that AI-driven digitisation errors are causing widespread hardship for the public. The Chief Minister's complaint, dated 12 January 2026, highlights critical flaws in the technological process being used for this crucial electoral exercise.
A 'Fundamentally Flawed' Procedure
Banerjee's primary contention centers on the digitisation process underpinning the SIR. She argued that the reliance on artificial intelligence and automated systems is leading to significant inaccuracies and inconveniences for citizens attempting to get their voter details updated or corrected. One of the most glaring issues she pointed out is the lack of proper acknowledgement for submitted documents.
According to the Chief Minister, when individuals submit necessary papers during the revision process, they are not receiving any formal or systematic receipt. This failure, she claims, leaves applicants with no proof of submission, creating uncertainty and potential disenfranchisement. Banerjee did not mince words, describing the entire procedure as 'fundamentally flawed' in its current implementation.
Public Hardship and Electoral Integrity
The alleged errors are not just technical glitches but are translating into real-world problems for ordinary people. The 'widespread hardship' mentioned by Banerjee suggests that many are facing obstacles in enrolling themselves or correcting entries due to these AI and digitisation shortcomings. This situation raises important questions about the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral roll revision process.
If citizens cannot reliably update their information or receive confirmation of their applications, it directly impacts the accuracy of the voter list. A flawed list can have serious implications for the democratic process. The Chief Minister's direct communication to the CEC underscores the urgency and gravity of the matter, pushing for immediate rectification before the errors compound further.
The ball is now in the Election Commission's court to investigate these claims, address the technological faults, and ensure a smooth, transparent, and citizen-friendly Special Intensive Revision process. The outcome will be closely watched as a test of deploying AI in critical democratic exercises.
