Did LoP Adhikari Write to CEC After CM Mamata Called for SIR Suspension in Bengal?
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Synopsis
The political landscape in West Bengal heats up as BJP's Suvendu Adhikari responds to Mamata Banerjee's request to pause the Special Intensive Revision. Allegations of political manipulation and safeguarding fraudulent voters emerge, raising questions about electoral integrity. What are the implications for voters in Bengal?
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari has formally addressed the CEC regarding the ongoing SIR.
- Mamata Banerjee has called for its suspension, citing public distress.
- Adhikari claims her motives are politically driven.
- Concerns over the integrity of voter lists have been raised.
- Pressure on electoral officers is a significant issue in the current political climate.
Kolkata, November 20 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly and prominent BJP figure, Suvendu Adhikari, sent a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday. This follows Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's earlier correspondence urging the CEC to immediately pause the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state.
In his correspondence, LoP Adhikari strongly refuted the assertions made by Mamata Banerjee, who suggested that the SIR was being conducted in a disorganized and perilous manner, resulting in public distress and undue stress on electoral officials, particularly the booth-level officers (BLOs).
Adhikari further accused Banerjee of attempting to undermine the voter list purification initiative through the SIR, labeling her claims as politically motivated and factually incorrect.
He contended that the Chief Minister's plea to halt the SIR was not aimed at safeguarding legitimate voters but was rather a reactionary effort to shield fraudulent voters, including illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators who had infiltrated the voter lists.
Earlier on the same day, the LoP made a statement alleging that the pressures faced by the BLOs were not due to the workload from the SIR, as suggested by Banerjee, but rather from undue coercion by district magistrates and electoral officers (DEOs) to engage in unethical practices during the revision process.
In his statement, Adhikari highlighted instances in districts such as East Midnapore, Hooghly, and East Burdwan, where he claimed district magistrates and DEOs acted as de facto agents for the Trinamool Congress, pressuring BLOs to share their official One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with them or with party loyalists serving as data entry operators.
Point of View
This incident highlights the ongoing political strife in West Bengal, where electoral integrity is at stake. The accusations exchanged between the ruling party and the opposition reveal deeper systemic issues regarding the voter registration process. It is essential for the election commission to ensure free and fair elections, safeguarding the rights and interests of legitimate voters.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process initiated to update and purify the electoral rolls, ensuring that only eligible voters are listed.
Why did Mamata Banerjee request to halt the SIR?
Mamata Banerjee claimed that the SIR was causing chaos and panic among citizens, and she urged the CEC to pause it to protect the interests of genuine voters.
What allegations did Suvendu Adhikari make against Banerjee's claims?
Suvendu Adhikari dismissed Banerjee's claims as politically motivated and suggested they were attempts to protect fraudulent voters.
How did Adhikari describe the situation for booth-level officers (BLOs)?
Adhikari stated that BLOs were under significant pressure, not from the SIR workload, but from district magistrates and DEOs to engage in unethical practices.
What are the implications of these allegations for voters in Bengal?
These allegations raise serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Bengal, potentially impacting the trust of voters in the system.
