Mamata Banerjee Alleges Malpractice in Electoral Revision
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the party has manipulated voter rolls using artificial intelligence. At a rally in Bankura district, she stated that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI) is a massive scam that has led to the deletion of approximately 54 lakh legitimate voter names.
Banerjee asserted her commitment to protests by stating that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will encircle the Election Commission’s office in Delhi if any valid voter’s name is removed. “People of West Bengal will not allow the BJP to come to power,” she confidently claimed, emphasizing her party’s readiness to defend voter rights fiercely.
Understanding the Special Intensive Revision
The Special Intensive Revision has been a contentious issue in West Bengal since the ECI initiated its voter roll revision process earlier this month. Banerjee claimed that the process has generated considerable distress among residents, alleging that elderly citizens are being subjected to unnecessary document verification hearings.
“Around 60 people have died due to SIR. Elderly people are being summoned for hearings, which is torturing our people,” she added, underscoring the human cost associated with the current voter roll revision.
Allegations of AI Involvement
Banerjee denounced the SIR as a fraudulent exercise supported by artificial intelligence. She claimed that BJP representatives have taken control of the process at the EC’s office in Delhi to facilitate the deletion of voter names. “They have allegedly used AI to delete 54 lakh names, falsely attributing these actions to Electoral Registration Officers (EROs),” she stated. The ERO Association responded by asserting that they had not authorized such deletions, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Specific Cases of Voter Deletions
According to Banerjee, instances of voter name deletions are often based on minor discrepancies, causing legitimate voters to be unjustly removed from the list. “If someone’s surname is Singh and it’s written as Sinha, the name is removed. These absurdities are what our citizens are facing,” she asserted, advocating for voters to take action by filling out specific forms to assert their rights.
TMC’s Planned Demands to the Election Commission
A delegation from the TMC is scheduled to meet with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on December 31. This delegation will be led by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee and will include MPs from both Houses of Parliament, focusing on the electoral roll discrepancies resulting from the SIR.
In a previous meeting on November 28, the TMC had raised concerns over multiple deaths linked to the electoral roll revision, foreshadowing the current outcry. The ongoing discourse highlights the rising tensions in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Concerns Over ‘Unmapped’ Voters
Adding to the turmoil, recent directives from the Election Commission instructed district election officials not to summon ‘unmapped’ voters for hearings. This category includes voters flagged by the EC’s software, yet they appear on hard copies of the 2002 rolls. The suspension of hearings specifically for these voters has created further confusion and frustration.
On December 16, the Election Commission published the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal. The action reportedly removed the names of over 58 lakh voters based on criteria such as death or migration. In light of this, local leaders and residents have expressed concern about the integrity of the electoral process.
The Broader Political Context
The situation in West Bengal reflects broader political dynamics, with both the TMC and BJP vying for dominance in the state ahead of crucial elections. Banerjee’s aggressive stance against what she describes as voter manipulation indicates her party’s commitment to protecting electoral integrity.
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of the current controversy could influence voter sentiment significantly leading into the elections. “If the Trinamool Congress can present a strong case for the rights of voters, it could sway public opinion in their favor,” noted a local political expert, stressing the importance of public trust in electoral processes.
Next Steps and Future Implications
As the TMC prepares to challenge the actions of the Election Commission, the political landscape in West Bengal is poised for significant developments in the coming weeks. Any actions taken by the Election Commission in response to the TMC’s demands will be closely monitored, as they may influence the larger political narrative of the upcoming assembly elections.
In the meantime, residents are advised to verify their names on the electoral rolls and take appropriate measures where necessary. The citizens of West Bengal remain vigilant and engaged as they navigate this contentious period in their state’s political history.