Did ECI Intentionally Target Trinamool Leader's Family?
Synopsis
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a prominent Trinamool Congress MP, claims the ECI summoned her family to harass them amid voters' list objections. The ECI refutes these allegations, asserting the summons are based on procedural requirements for 'unmapped' voters. This unfolding situation raises questions about political motives and electoral integrity.
Key Takeaways
ECI dismisses claims by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Allegations of harassment deemed baseless Summoned family categorized as 'unmapped' voters Last SIR in West Bengal was in 2002 ECI team to review hearings in Kolkata
Kolkata, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed allegations made by four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member and current Chief Whip, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. Earlier today, she accused the ECI of intentionally summoning four of her family members to a hearing regarding claims and objections on the draft voters' list in West Bengal, suggesting it was an act to harass them.
In a morning press briefing, Ghosh Dastidar revealed that her two sons, elderly mother, and younger sister were called for a hearing. She alleged that this move was a deliberate attempt to target them due to their family association with her.
However, the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) promptly issued a statement in the afternoon, labeling her claims as groundless.
The statement, shared via the CEO's official X account, asserted that the accusations from the veteran Trinamool Congress MP were entirely misleading.
It clarified that the individuals were summoned as they were categorized as 'unmapped' voters, having no linkage to the voters' list in West Bengal since 2002, whether through 'self-mapping' or 'progeny-mapping'.
The last Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal occurred in 2002.
The CEO's office stressed, “The claim is misleading. The enumeration forms clearly indicate no linkage. Hence, the family members of the Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP are summoned for a hearing as per relevant ECI notification provisions.”
Earlier in the day, Ghosh Dastidar expressed concern that both her sons, along with her mother and sister, received notices because their names were missing from the draft voters' list published on December 16.
The Trinamool Congress MP reiterated that her family members were called due to their absence in the draft voters' list.
She remarked, “Both my sons are government employees. Their late father, Sudarshan Ghosh Dastidar, was a member of the West Bengal Cabinet. I have served as a Lok Sabha member for four terms since 2009. Yet, they have been summoned for a hearing. The current exercise under the name of SIR is evidently a tactic to harass individuals.”
Additionally, the CEO's office announced that a central ECI team, led by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharati, will arrive in Kolkata next week to assess the ongoing hearings concerning claims and objections related to the draft voters' list.
Deputy Election Commissioner Bharati is also slated to meet with West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal on December 30.
Point of View
Political allegations such as those made by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar can significantly influence public perception and trust in electoral processes. The Election Commission's swift dismissal of her claims emphasizes the need for transparency and impartiality in managing electoral integrity. It is vital for all political entities to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to accusations that could undermine democratic institutions.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations made by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar?
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar alleges that the ECI summoned her family members intentionally to harass them regarding claims on the draft voters' list.
How did the ECI respond to these allegations?
The ECI dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating that the family members were summoned as they were categorized as 'unmapped' voters.
What is the significance of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR is a process conducted by the ECI to update the electoral rolls, with the last revision in West Bengal taking place in 2002.
Who will be reviewing the hearing sessions in Kolkata?
A central ECI team, led by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharati, will review the ongoing hearing sessions next week.
Why were Ghosh Dastidar's family members summoned?
They were summoned due to their absence from the voters' list, which necessitated a hearing under ECI regulations.
