How is Bengal LoP urging ECI to protect SIR appeal proceedings?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has requested the Election Commission of India to safeguard the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision. His urgent plea comes amid allegations of electoral roll manipulation, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari calls for ECI intervention in the SIR process.
- Concerns over manipulation of electoral rolls have been raised.
- Allegations of undue influence by state officials persist.
- The SIR has become a significant political controversy.
- The ruling party is actively protesting against the process.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The West Bengal Leader of Opposition (LoP), Suvendu Adhikari, has called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action to ensure the protection of the second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as hearings commence regarding appeals concerning draft electoral rolls.
In his correspondence with the ECI, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has requested the electoral body’s prompt involvement to appoint Micro Observers during the process of addressing claims, objections, and document submissions from voters for inclusion, deletion, or correction in the draft list.
Furthermore, he has insisted that these observers should be selected from among Central government employees to ensure impartiality.
Adhikari has raised alarm over purported tampering with electoral rolls by state officials, based on serious and ongoing reports of undue influence being exerted to disrupt this phase.
Notably, the SIR process has become a contentious political issue since its introduction this year. While the ECI maintains that the process is just, opposition parties contend it is being exploited, resulting in the disenfranchisement of legitimate voters. The narrative surrounding Bangladeshi infiltration further complicates the political landscape.
The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has initiated several anti-SIR protests led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The party has made allegations that numerous Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been frequently unwell or have even succumbed to work-related stress, alongside reports of voters contemplating suicide due to fear of losing their electoral rights.
The ECI has robustly defended the SIR process, dismissing claims of widespread disenfranchisement as politically motivated.
Currently, the Supreme Court is reviewing the matter, with the ECI asserting that allegations of mass disenfranchisement in West Bengal are 'greatly exaggerated' and politically driven.
They highlighted that 99 percent of voters in the state have already received enumeration forms.
In the meantime, there have been accounts of Bangladeshi nationals assembling at the West Bengal border, attempting to return home.
This incident, amid concerns related to the SIR exercise, has intensified the political narrative surrounding infiltration.
According to Adhikari, the second phase of SIR is the most pivotal segment of the entire undertaking.
“This phase will dictate whether the final electoral roll is equitable, accurate, and free from manipulation,” he asserted.
Point of View
The situation surrounding the SIR process in West Bengal underscores the delicate balance between political maneuvering and electoral integrity. As claims and counterclaims swirl, it is essential to prioritize transparency and fairness in the electoral process, ensuring that every eligible voter’s rights are protected.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR is a process initiated by the Election Commission to update electoral rolls, ensuring accuracy in voter representation.
Why is the Leader of Opposition concerned about the SIR?
Suvendu Adhikari has raised concerns over alleged manipulation and undue influence by state officials during the revision process.
What role do Micro Observers play in the SIR?
Micro Observers are tasked with monitoring the process of claims and objections to ensure neutrality and fairness.
How has the Trinamool Congress responded to the SIR?
The Trinamool Congress has organized protests, alleging that numerous voters and officials are being adversely affected by the SIR process.
What has the Supreme Court said about the allegations of disenfranchisement?
The Supreme Court has noted that claims of mass disenfranchisement in West Bengal are highly exaggerated and politically motivated.
