Is ECI’s Definition of ‘Relative’ in SIR Truly Inconsistent?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, the Trinamool Congress has raised serious concerns about the Election Commission of India’s confusing definition of 'relative' in the special intensive revision process. This inconsistency has sparked panic and confusion among voters, prompting urgent calls for clarification and action from the ECI. Will the commission address these pressing issues?
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress raises alarm over ECI's definition of 'relative'.
- Confusion among voters due to contradictory guidelines.
- Special intensive revision (SIR) began on November 4.
- Limited options in BLO application for 'relative' category.
- Demands for clarity and action from ECI.
Kolkata, Nov 8 (NationPress) The Trinamool Congress has formally addressed a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, highlighting the inconsistency in the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) definition of “relative” during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR), which commenced in West Bengal on November 4.
In the correspondence directed to CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal, a copy of which is available with IANS, the Trinamool Congress has accused the ECI of adopting conflicting positions regarding the “relative” categorization.
The party asserts that while Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar indicated on October 27 that individuals could include their uncle's name or other relatives on the SIR enumeration form, this claim contradicts the written directives provided to booth-level officers (BLOs) as well as the BLO software interface, which stipulates that only parents and grandparents qualify under the “relative” classification.
“The dropdown options in the BLO application currently offer a limited selection of relations —son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, and transgender— without the ability to select other relations like brother, sister, uncle, or any other blood relation,” the Trinamool Congress's letter to the West Bengal CEO stated.
On Saturday, the Trinamool Congress released a statement questioning the credibility of the Chief Election Commissioner’s remarks versus the ECI’s actual actions regarding this matter.
“This discrepancy has left BLOs throughout Bengal in a state of confusion, caused unrest among voters, and exposed a troubling divide between public declarations and real-world application. If Gyanesh Kumar’s claim is accurate, why does the ECI fail to act accordingly? Conversely, if it isn’t, why create confusion before the nation on public platforms?” the statement from the Trinamool Congress elaborated.
The party has urged the ECI to either promptly put into action the Chief Election Commissioner's pronouncements or cease the pretense of neutrality. “Bengal will not remain passive while the regulations are manipulated for one party's benefit,” the party’s statement concluded.
Point of View
We maintain a neutral stance while reporting on the concerns raised by the Trinamool Congress regarding the Election Commission of India. The apparent discrepancies in the definition of 'relative' raise legitimate questions about electoral processes and transparency in governance. We believe that clarity and consistency in electoral guidelines are paramount for maintaining public trust.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Trinamool Congress's concern regarding the ECI's definition of 'relative'?
The Trinamool Congress has expressed that the Election Commission of India’s definition of 'relative' is inconsistent, causing confusion among voters during the special intensive revision process.
When did the special intensive revision (SIR) begin in West Bengal?
The special intensive revision (SIR) commenced in West Bengal on November 4.
What specific contradictions did the Trinamool Congress identify?
The party noted that while the Chief Election Commissioner stated that individuals could include relatives like uncles, the official guidelines only permit parents and grandparents as valid relatives.
How has this issue affected booth-level officers?
Booth-level officers have reportedly been left in a state of confusion, creating panic among voters due to the contradictory instructions.
What actions has the Trinamool Congress demanded from the ECI?
The Trinamool Congress has demanded that the ECI implement the Chief Election Commissioner's statements or cease pretending to be neutral in this matter.
