Why Did Bengal SIR Hearings Face Disruption Again?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic continuation of political unrest, Trinamool Congress MLA Asit Majumdar disrupts the Special Intensive Revision hearings for the second day, demanding the presence of booth-level agents. This incident raises questions about election integrity and the ruling party's tactics in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Repeated disruptions of SIR hearings by Trinamool Congress MLA.
- Demands for BLA-2s to attend hearings highlight political tension.
- ECI's stance against BLA-2 presence in hearings.
- Potential impact on the electoral process in West Bengal.
- Accountability measures for electoral officers emphasized by ECI.
Kolkata, Dec 30 (NationPress) - The Trinamool Congress legislator Asit Majumdar once again caused a disruption by forcibly closing a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls hearing for the second day at a center in Polba, located in West Bengal's Hooghly district.
Majumdar interrupted the hearing session, insisting that booth-level agents (BLA)-2s should be permitted to attend the proceedings.
Previously, on Monday, he had similarly halted the hearing at a center in Polba.
On Tuesday morning, after the hearing commenced, he addressed the gathered voters, stating, “This hearing process is merely a tactic to harass you. Will you continue to endure such harassment?”
When a few voices echoed in agreement, Majumdar ordered the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to suspend the hearing temporarily. He informed the media that the hearing would not proceed unless the party's BLA-2s were allowed to participate.
“The Election Commission of India (ECI) must provide written confirmation that BLA-2s can attend the hearing. Without that, this session will not occur,” Majumdar asserted.
It is noteworthy that following disruptions at multiple locations by ruling party MLAs on Monday, the ECI issued a directive clarifying that BLA-2s would not be permitted at these hearing sessions.
On that day, the ECI also stated that electoral registration officers (EROs) would face consequences if any BLA representatives from political parties were present at the hearings.
The ECI further held District Magistrates and District Electoral Officers (DEOs) accountable for any future incidents of forcefully halting the hearing process, as seen in Hooghly district.
They instructed DEOs to be present at the hearing venues to address any reported disruptions, as happened earlier that day.
Despite the ECI's instructions, the hearing session faced interruption again on Tuesday, with the same Trinamool Congress legislator responsible.
Fashion designer-turned-politician and BJP legislator Agnimitra Paul commented that while SIR processes are taking place in numerous states, West Bengal is the only region experiencing such issues. “This tension is deliberately created by the ruling party, as they realize that SIR could derail many of their plans,” Paul stated.
Point of View
It is imperative to present the facts around the disruption of the SIR hearings in West Bengal. The actions of the Trinamool Congress MLA highlight the ongoing political tensions within the state. Ensuring a fair electoral process is vital, and the role of regulatory bodies like the ECI is crucial in maintaining this integrity.
NationPress
30/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR is a process used to update electoral rolls and ensure accurate voter registration.
Why is Asit Majumdar disrupting the hearings?
Majumdar demands the presence of booth-level agents (BLA-2s) during the hearings, claiming it is necessary for transparency.
What has the Election Commission stated regarding this disruption?
The ECI clarified that BLA-2s are not permitted at the hearings and that electoral officers will be held accountable for any disruptions.
How might this affect the electoral process in West Bengal?
Such disruptions can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and raise concerns about political interference.
What are the consequences for future disruptions?
The ECI has instructed district officials to ensure that such disruptions do not occur again and has outlined penalties for violations.
