The Election Commission, after meeting with a delegation from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), has dismissed the concerns and allegations raised regarding SIR as baseless and issued several strict directives.
Kolkata: The Election Commission (ECI) has adopted a clear and strict stance regarding the concerns raised by a Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation concerning the upcoming elections in West Bengal. Dismissing TMC's allegations as baseless, the Commission stated that only names of Indian citizens would be included in the electoral roll, and no foreign national's name would be added.
Election Commission Rejects TMC's Allegations
The TMC delegation had recently expressed several concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and processes related to the electoral roll. The Commission clarified that while political rhetoric is a party's right, spreading misinformation concerning electoral procedures is unacceptable. The Election Commission stated that the process of preparing the electoral roll is completely transparent, and no political pressure or interference will be tolerated.
The Commission also informed that it had received reports of TMC workers intimidating Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to retain the names of deceased, shifted, duplicate, and missing voters in the electoral roll. Consequently, the Commission has issued clear directives to the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal and the Kolkata Police Commissioner to ensure that no political party or its workers exert pressure or threats on BLOs.
The Election Commission stated that officers like BLOs, EROs, and DEOs are deputed employees of the state government, and their work should be carried out independently. Any interference from any party could affect the electoral process, which is entirely illegal.
Draft Electoral Roll to be Shared on December 9
The Election Commission informed the TMC delegation that the draft electoral roll would be shared on December 9. Following this, political parties can submit their objections and suggestions to the Commission. Strict instructions have been issued against any pressure or interference during this period. Recently, following incidents of security breaches at the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office in Kolkata, the Commission has issued strict orders to relocate the CEO's office to a secure location. The responsibility for its security has been entrusted to the Kolkata Police Commissioner. The Commission stated that this step is necessary to ensure the safety and security of all officers and staff.
The Election Commission has instructed all District Election Officers (DEOs) to identify suitable locations for establishing new polling stations in slum areas, high-rise buildings, and gated societies. The Commission stated that new polling stations are being established similarly across the country, and this will also be implemented timely in West Bengal.
