Will ECI Special Roll Observer Murugan Complete His Task Despite Protests?
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Synopsis
C. Murugan, the Special Roll Observer of ECI, remains determined to fulfill his duties amidst protests in South 24 Parganas. Despite facing violent demonstrations and damage to his vehicle, he vows to complete his assigned tasks, highlighting his commitment to the Election Commission's mandate. What challenges will he face next?
Key Takeaways
- C. Murugan is committed to his role as Special Roll Observer.
- Protests highlight concerns about the SIR process.
- Public dissent is a part of the democratic process.
- Damage to property occurred during the protests.
- A report will be filed following the incidents.
Kolkata, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Special Roll Observer (SRO) of the Election Commission of India (ECI), C. Murugan, remained resolute on Monday, undaunted by the series of attacks on his vehicle. He pledged to fulfill the responsibilities assigned by the election panel.
After encountering yet another wave of protests in the South 24 Parganas district, the SRO addressed the media, stating: “The Election Commission has given me a specific duty. I am here to execute that duty, and I will see it through, regardless of these disruptions.”
This declaration from the senior ECI official followed an incident where his vehicle was assaulted as a protesting crowd surrounded him during his visit to a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing center at Magrahat in South 24 Parganas.
The demonstrators, primarily women, obstructed the SRO’s vehicle's exit and struck the car’s bonnet and windows, while police tried to disperse the crowd. The protest caused damage to the driver’s side door handle.
Murugan was initially surrounded when he arrived at Shirakol High School, the site for the ongoing hearing. Protesters accused the authorities of poor planning in executing the SIR process, insisting that sick, elderly, and pregnant voters were being compelled to attend hearings in person.
A faction of local demonstrators, led by Mujibar Rahaman Mollah, president of the Trinamool Congress-run Zilla Parishad, surrounded the Special Roll Observer, demanding that the party’s Booth Level Agents-2 (BLA-2) be permitted entry into the hearings. Following this, Murugan faced additional protests that led to further damage to his vehicle as he attempted to exit the location.
“I am here to fulfill a mandate from the Election Commission, and I will complete my assignment, regardless of the attempts to disrupt it,” the IAS officer asserted.
This isn’t the first instance of public dissent faced by the Special Roll Observer during the ongoing SIR initiative. Previously, he encountered protests in Falta in South 24 Parganas and at Haldarpara in Howrah district.
A senior official from the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) mentioned that a comprehensive report regarding Monday's incident would be requested from the SRO and forwarded to the Election Commission.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by C. Murugan, the ECI's Special Roll Observer. His commitment to fulfilling his duties despite public dissent exemplifies the dedication required in our electoral processes. Ensuring a fair election is paramount, and the voices of dissent should also be heard in a democratic society.
NationPress
30/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is C. Murugan?
C. Murugan is the Special Roll Observer appointed by the Election Commission of India to oversee electoral processes.
What happened during the protests?
Protesters, primarily women, surrounded Murugan's vehicle, causing damage and demanding specific electoral changes.
What is the SIR exercise?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is an initiative by the Election Commission to ensure accurate voter registration and facilitate the electoral process.
Why are people protesting?
Protesters allege poor planning in the SIR exercise, particularly regarding the treatment of sick, elderly, and pregnant voters.
What action will be taken following the protests?
A detailed report of the incident will be compiled by the Special Roll Observer and submitted to the Election Commission for further review.
