Did Mamata Banerjee Communicate with Bengal's Additional CEO from Chief Secretary's Phone?
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Synopsis
In a controversial turn of events, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, has raised serious allegations against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He claims she has been using the Chief Secretary's mobile to communicate with the Additional Chief Electoral Officer, raising concerns about electoral integrity. The implications of these accusations could have significant consequences for the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari has filed a complaint with the ECI.
- Allegations involve Mamata Banerjee communicating with the Additional Chief Electoral Officer.
- The ECI is currently reviewing the electoral rolls in West Bengal.
- Training for EVMs and VVPATs took place in New Town.
- Importance of including Hindu refugees in the voter list was emphasized.
Kolkata, Nov 21 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engages in daily communications with the Additional Chief Electoral Officer of the state, Arun Prasad, through the mobile device of the Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant.
Adhikari submitted his complaint to the visiting four-member central ECI team, led by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, who are in West Bengal for a four-day assessment of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted by the Commission, which commenced on November 4.
In response to these allegations, the office of the CEO, West Bengal, has refrained from commenting. A representative from the CEO’s office stated, “Given that the complaint was directed to the central ECI delegation, we will not provide any comments. Any official response will be issued solely from the ECI headquarters in New Delhi.”
During his meeting with the ECI team, Adhikari also urged for measures to ensure that the names of Hindu refugees arriving from neighboring Bangladesh are included in the voter rolls. He emphasized, “It is the Commission's duty to ensure the inclusion of Hindu refugees in the voter list while ensuring the removal of names of illegal infiltrators.”
In a related development, a training session focused on the operation of EVMs and VVPATs for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections was held in New Town, located on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. The session was attended by the central ECI delegation and CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal, with experts from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) providing guidance.
The training covered the entire lifecycle of the EVMs and VVPATs, with in-depth discussions on various protocols including machine operation, randomization, commissioning, polling procedures, counting, and post-counting processes,” stated an official communique from the CEO's office.
Point of View
The allegations raised by Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee highlight critical issues surrounding electoral processes in India. While the accusations warrant thorough investigation, they also reflect the ongoing political tensions in West Bengal. It is crucial for the Election Commission to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the electoral system, reinforcing the trust of the electorate.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations made by Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari alleges that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is using the Chief Secretary's mobile to communicate with the Additional Chief Electoral Officer, which raises concerns about electoral integrity.
Who is leading the central ECI team visiting West Bengal?
The central ECI team visiting West Bengal is led by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process conducted by the Election Commission to update and verify the electoral rolls in preparation for upcoming elections.
