New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has categorically rejected as unfounded all speculations regarding any discord between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal administration concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

While addressing the media about the ECI's plans for executing the SIR in 12 States and Union Territories, CEC Gyanesh Kumar stated, “There is absolutely no friction concerning the SIR in West Bengal.”

“All constitutional bodies operate in accordance with the Constitution. By gearing up for the SIR, the ECI is fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, and likewise, every state government will also be expected to fulfill its obligations,” he remarked.

This statement followed inquiries about potential opposition from the West Bengal government, given that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has seemingly expressed her discontent regarding a revision of the electoral rolls.

Gyanesh Kumar emphasized that there should be no expectation of state governments and their departments refraining from participating in the SIR initiatives.

He noted that, akin to all constitutional entities, state governments are also required to provide necessary resources, including staff and security, to facilitate the SIR and conduct elections.

He mentioned that, building on the insights gained from the SIR in Bihar, additional guidelines would be issued for the process in these 12 states and UTs.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is reportedly opposed to the very notion of the SIR, alleging that it is a covert strategy by the Union government and the BJP to impose NRC in the state.

Sources within the Trinamool Congress indicated that a large anti-SIR rally in Kolkata is anticipated during the first week of November, featuring speeches by Mamata Banerjee and party general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee.

Earlier this month, CM Banerjee expressed her intolerance towards the removal of voters' names from a specific community during the voter list revision.

She also criticized the ECI for its rush to initiate and conclude the SIR process in West Bengal, especially at a time when the festive season is underway and numerous individuals in rain and landslide-affected areas of North Bengal are grappling with ongoing crises.

"I will not accept any deletions of individuals from any community in the electoral list due to this unwarranted haste. I urge the ECI not to 'play with fire.' We are still facing a crisis due to natural disasters. Many homes have been destroyed by flooding. In such circumstances, how can people provide the necessary documents for the SIR? Many are on leave due to the festive season. How will they gather the required documents?" the Chief Minister stated when addressing the press on October 9.