TMC–ECI standoff deepens as poll body rebuts charges, appoints special roll observer

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The confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission of India escalated on Friday after a high-stakes meeting between the poll body and a 10-member TMC delegation over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

According to sources cited by News18, the Election Commission issued a detailed, point-by-point rebuttal to the allegations raised by the party, prompting the TMC to dismiss the Commission’s explanations as “outright lies”. The poll body also appointed a special roll observer for the state.

During the meeting, the ECI is learnt to have cautioned the delegation against attempting to influence or threaten Booth Level Officers regarding dead, shifted or duplicate voters.

The Commission advised the party to file claims and objections only after December 9, when the draft voter list will be shared.

Till then, the TMC has been asked to refrain from interfering with the functioning of BLOs, Electoral Registration Officers and District Election Officers - all state government employees deployed for election-related duties.

The engagement followed days of aggressive allegations by the TMC, including claims about the deaths of BLOs during the ongoing revision exercise.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had last week sought urgent intervention from the Election Commission, calling the SIR process deeply concerning.

As per News18, sources said the Commission also flagged delays by the state government in releasing the enhanced honorarium approved for BLOs.

It asked that the payment be cleared “without any further delay”.

Responding to Banerjee’s written complaint questioning the creation of booths inside buildings, the ECI rejected the concern and reiterated that electoral roll preparation and election conduct were governed strictly by the Constitution and electoral law, which the party must abide by.

The ECI also issued fresh directives in the wake of recent security breaches at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal.

The CEO’s office is to be shifted to a more secure location, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner has been instructed to ensure full security at both the existing and new premises.

Additionally, the Commission reminded the CEO of its earlier order to complete the rationalisation of polling stations under the Special Intensive Revision by December 4, 2025.