Is the Deputy EC Visiting Kolkata to Review Electoral Rolls Amid Government Tensions?
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Synopsis
Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti's upcoming visit to Kolkata aims to assess the Election Commission's readiness for the upcoming electoral roll revision. This review occurs amidst significant political tensions regarding the validity of documents and the implications for upcoming assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
- Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti to visit Kolkata.
- Final review of Election Commission preparedness for Special Intensive Revision.
- Meetings with senior officials and district magistrates planned.
- Ongoing tensions between the poll body and state government.
- Rejection of state government’s documentation requests.
Kolkata, Sep 13 (NationPress) Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata next week for a comprehensive evaluation of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) readiness for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
This special intensive revision, pivotal ahead of the significant assembly elections next year, is anticipated to commence in October.
The deputy election commissioner plans to meet with high-ranking officials from the CEO's office and visit specific districts to engage with district magistrates, who act as the electoral officers there.
This visit is taking place amidst ongoing tensions between the electoral body and the state government, particularly regarding the SIR initiative.
Earlier this week, the commission turned down the West Bengal government’s proposal to allow Swastha Sathi and ration (PDS) cards as acceptable documentation for the upcoming special intensive revision.
The Swastha Sathi card is associated with the state-sponsored health insurance program, for which the government covers the premium, while both the Swastha Sathi and ration cards are identity documents issued by the state.
Recently, the Supreme Court instructed the commission to accept Aadhaar cards as valid identity verification if the Election Commission proceeds with the special intensive revision.
From the beginning, the Chief Minister and the ruling Trinamool Congress have opposed the special intensive revision in West Bengal.
She argues that this exercise is designed to facilitate the implementation of the NRC (National Register of Citizens) and CAA (The Citizenship Amendment Act) in the state.
Conversely, the BJP asserts that the Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are resisting the revision out of fear that it may result in the exclusion of illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators from the electoral rolls.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the significance of the Deputy Election Commissioner's visit amidst ongoing tensions with the state government. The electoral processes are critical for maintaining the integrity of democracy, and it is essential to observe how these developments unfold in West Bengal, ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to the principles of transparency and fairness.
NationPress
14/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Deputy EC's visit to Kolkata?
The Deputy EC aims to review the Election Commission's preparedness for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
What documents were rejected by the Election Commission?
The Election Commission rejected the West Bengal government's request to include Swastha Sathi and ration cards as valid documents for the special intensive revision.
What is the significance of the Special Intensive Revision?
The SIR is crucial for ensuring that the electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date, especially before significant elections.
How does this situation reflect on the relationship between the Election Commission and the state government?
There are ongoing tensions, particularly concerning the acceptance of certain documents and the implications of the SIR for citizenship verification.
What are the concerns regarding the NRC and CAA in this context?
The Chief Minister and the ruling party believe the revision could facilitate the implementation of the NRC and CAA, which they oppose, citing fears about the exclusion of certain populations.
