CEC Rules Out Dispute With Bengal Government Over Voter Roll Revision

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday dismissed reports of any disagreement between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal government over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Speaking to the media, Kumar said firmly, “There is no friction over the SIR in West Bengal.” He added that all constitutional institutions, including state governments, must perform their duties as mandated by the Constitution.

He emphasised that the ECI is conducting SIR in 12 states and union territories as part of its statutory role. Moreover, he noted that state governments must provide personnel, security, and logistical support for the exercise.

Kumar made the remarks after questions arose about potential resistance from the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). The party has opposed the revision, claiming it could target certain communities. It also alleges that the exercise serves as a covert attempt to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal.

Furthermore, the TMC is reportedly planning a large “anti-SIR” rally in Kolkata in early November. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee are expected to speak at the event. Banerjee has criticised the timing of SIR, citing the ongoing festive season and the challenges faced by residents in flood- and landslide-affected areas of North Bengal. She warned that many people may struggle to provide the necessary documents for voter list revision.

Kumar rejected any suggestion that state administrations were reluctant to cooperate. He affirmed that all departments are supporting the exercise. He also added that the ECI would issue additional instructions based on lessons learnt from Bihar’s SIR.

Meanwhile, state election officials have attended meetings in Delhi to review SIR preparedness. However, the final schedule for West Bengal is yet to be announced.

In conclusion, Kumar underlined that constitutional mechanisms remain in place. He reiterated that the ECI and state governments share a joint responsibility to maintain electoral integrity. He also cited the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to justify early voter roll revisions ahead of elections.

Also Read: No Discord Over Voter-Roll Revision In Bengal, Says Chief Election Commissioner