TMC's Ground Control in Bengal's SIR Camps Sparks Opposition Outcry
While West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the "human cost" of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the Supreme Court, alleging over 100 deaths among Booth Level Officers (BLOs), her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is firmly in charge on the ground. During visits to SIR hearing camps across four districts—North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and Howrah—only TMC workers were observed, managing proceedings and monitoring BLOs and Block Development Officers (BDOs).
Opposition Accusations of Intimidation and Violence
Political rivals, including the Left, Congress, and BJP, have leveled serious allegations against the TMC, claiming the party uses threats and intimidation to exclude their workers from the camps. Rahul Sinha, former state BJP president, accused the TMC of "using government machinery to control SIR hearings," while state Congress president Subhankar Sarkar alleged the party is "stealing votes with the connivance of the Election Commission." In response, TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty dismissed these claims, stating the Opposition lacks ground-level presence and has failed to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in many areas.
Detailed Operations in Key Districts
In Minakhan, North 24 Parganas, TMC volunteers orchestrated the entire process, from form-filling to coordinating with BLOs. Former panchayat pradhan Jiarul Hoque Mollah explained, "We are everywhere," with a three-layer volunteer system ensuring smooth operations. TMC worker Mahafizul Rahman hinted at future repercussions, warning that BLOs and BDOs would face public anger if voters were excluded from the final list.
In Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, TMC leaders were seen directing BLOs, with one leader warning, "Remember that we know you." Local CPI(M) leader Lahek Ali alleged violence prevented his party from appointing BLAs, accusing the TMC of using muscle power under the guise of assistance.
At Chara Panchla in Howrah, TMC block president Sheikh Ashraf Hussain described efforts to maintain peace and correct BLO errors, with free services like Xerox facilities provided. Local panchayat pradhan's husband Kalipada noted the party's election-like mobilization, including food, water, and transport for voters.
In Murshidabad, TMC leaders managed large crowds alone, with Aminul Haque expressing fears of violence and emphasizing monitoring of BLOs to prevent mistakes.
BLOs Caught in the Crossfire
BLO Mukta Zaman from Talbagan Para village shared her harrowing experience, describing non-stop phone calls and pressure from both Election Commission guidelines and angry voters. "We are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea," she said, expressing apprehension about the aftermath once the final voter list is published. Zaman herself received a summons over an age discrepancy with her father, highlighting the personal toll of the exercise.
The Supreme Court has extended the SIR deadline by a week, but tensions remain high as the TMC's dominance in these camps continues to fuel political friction and concerns over electoral integrity in West Bengal.
