Did the Trinamool Congress Address Concerns with Bengal's CEO Over SIR Process?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The TMC delegation has raised serious concerns regarding the electoral roll revision.
- Allegations of misconduct by the Election Commission have been made.
- Public convenience during the revision process has been questioned.
- Senior citizens are reportedly facing harassment during hearings.
- Transparency in the electoral process is crucial for democracy.
Kolkata, Dec 27 (NationPress) With the commencement of the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls on Saturday, a delegation from the Trinamool Congress visited the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office in West Bengal to file multiple complaints regarding the hearing procedures.
The delegation presented a formal written statement detailing their concerns and was informed by officials that their letter would be sent to the Election Commission of India.
The TMC representatives included state ministers Chandrima Bhattacharya, Aroop Biswas, and Shashi Panja, along with senior party figures Manas Bhunia and Moloy Ghatak.
Following their meeting, the delegation voiced accusations against the Election Commission regarding the management of the SIR process.
Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya expressed that the revision process should prioritize public convenience, alleging that this principle was not adhered to in West Bengal.
“The SIR process in BJP-governed states is being executed differently than in Bengal,” she remarked.
Bhattacharya further asserted that the authority of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) is being unlawfully restricted in the state, stating, “We will not accept this,” and accused the Election Commission of acting under BJP's influence.
Similarly, Minister Aroop Biswas claimed that the Commission is yielding to pressures from the central ruling party.
“The Election Commission is complying with BJP directives. It resembles a B-team for the BJP, with the electoral office operating like a BJP office, receiving constant instructions on voter management,” Biswas alleged.
He also raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency regarding the deletion of names of numerous individuals from the electoral rolls after the initial SIR phase.
“We will not permit the removal of any legitimate voter's name,” he affirmed.
Senior TMC leader Manas Bhunia indicated that the incidents are politically driven, given that the Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hold power in the state.
The delegation also asserted that senior citizens are facing undue pressure by being summoned for hearings over trivial discrepancies during the revision.