The Election Commission of India (ECI) has planned a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, following a similar exercise in Bihar. The revision, scheduled to take place between August and October, has heightened political tensions. The state's Chief Electoral Officer has informed the administration about the review, which has angered Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is set to take to the streets today to protest the decision.
Trinamool Congress's Opposition and Allegations
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh has bly reacted to the Election Commission's move. He stated that if the Election Commission takes any steps in West Bengal similar to those in Bihar, the party will bly oppose it. He accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the electoral rolls to salvage its weakening political position in West Bengal. Ghosh said that the BJP is afraid of losing in Bengal, and therefore, is trying to eliminate their votes through the Election Commission. The main issue of Mamata Banerjee's rally today will also be the increasing discrimination against the Bengali community in other parts of the country and the opposition to the Special Intensive Revision.
BJP's Support
Regarding the intensive revision of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, two senior state officials have confirmed that the notification for this process could be issued within a month. The state's political landscape has heated up over this decision. Amidst Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's opposition, the BJP has supported the move. BJP leader Rahul Sinha said that the Election Commission's decision is correct and necessary to implement. He added that this process is difficult for Mamata Banerjee because it will eliminate her alleged "foreign voters." Sinha expressed confidence that the Election Commission will take the necessary steps to conduct fair elections.
