Election Commission invites TMC delegation for discussions on SIR in West Bengal

Election Commission of India (Image: PTI)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has called a Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation for discussions on November 28, following persistent protests by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of West Bengal’s voter list.

In its letter to TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee, the ECI acknowledged Derek O’Brien’s request for an appointment, saying the Commission “always welcomes regular interaction with political parties for constructive dialogue.”

The meeting will take place at 11 am at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi, and the party has been told to share the names of its representatives and vehicle details via the Commission’s official email to facilitate arrangements.

The TMC has been alleging that the SIR exercise is politically driven, accusing both the BJP and the ECI of attempting to manipulate the rolls ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee have described the process as “Silent Invisible Rigging (SIR),” alleging that genuine voters, especially minorities and Bengali migrants, are being targeted.

The party has also connected the revision drive to the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and citizens, alleging “extreme work pressure,” and claiming that “at least 34 people have died.” It has demanded that the Election Commission halt the revision and accept responsibility.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar accusing the ruling party of politicising state machinery during the ongoing revision.

In his letter, Adhikari referred to the “Second State Conference of Women Police Personnel” held in Digha on November 22, saying what was presented as a welfare event was “nothing short of a brazen political rally orchestrated by the TMC party.”

He alleged that serving police officers attended alongside TMC ministers, MLAs and leaders, violating norms of neutrality.

Adhikari claimed that ministers Shiuli Saha and Manas Ranjan Bhunia used the event to attack the Centre, noting that Saha accused the opposition of “licking Modi’s boots,” while Bhunia called the SIR a “huge scandal” and “kelenkari.”

The BJP leader further alleged “election rigging,” including fabrication of SIR data, misuse of Postal Ballot procedures, and involvement of Police Welfare Committee members.

He urged the ECI to bar the West Bengal Police from primary election duties in 2026, deploy Central Armed Police Forces, investigate affiliations between the Police Welfare Committee and the TMC, and take action against officials “involved in partisan activities.”

West Bengal is carrying out the SIR alongside 11 other States and Union Territories ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.