West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee escalated her confrontation with the Election Commission (EC) during her visit to the national capital, issuing a bold declaration: “I can get lakhs of people to Delhi to parade before the Election Commission.”
After meeting with top officials of the Election Commission today, Banerjee alleged unfair targeting of Bengal’s voter roll clean-up exercise, known as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The TMC leader accused the EC of bias, questioning why the exercise was not conducted in BJP-ruled Assam, which has faced ongoing tensions over illegal immigration and demographic issues.
Despite officials maintaining restraint and politeness, Banerjee reportedly continued to make unfounded allegations and even “beat her hand on the table,” according to sources. She claimed the EC and its officials are acting as “BJP’s agent,” and criticized what she called their “arrogance” and dishonesty.
Protests and Verbal Confrontation
Banerjee, along with several Trinamool Congress leaders, staged a protest outside the EC office, dressed in black shawls to symbolize their dissent. They also brought along families reportedly affected by the SIR exercise, aiming to highlight their grievances.
In response, the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and other EC officials calmly explained the rule of law and warned against taking law into their own hands. Sources indicated that some TMC MLAs used abusive and threatening language during the protest, and that the officials reminded Banerjee of past vandalism of EC offices in Bengal.
BJP Accuses Mamata of Conspiring
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari dismissed Banerjee’s actions as a “dramatabazi” (drama) and alleged that the chief minister is conspiring with senior bureaucrats to undermine the voter roll clean-up. He asserted that the alleged motive is to ensure the election proceeds with outdated voter data.
Banerjee has repeatedly voiced concerns over the SIR exercise, writing several letters to the EC. Her latest letter, dated January 31, claimed the methodology exceeds legal provisions, causing “immense inconvenience” to citizens.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Bengal Elections
As the campaign intensifies, Mamata Banerjee’s confrontational stance against the Election Commission marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political tussle over electoral processes in West Bengal. The situation remains tense, with accusations and protests highlighting the deepening divide between the ruling TMC and the poll authorities.