In a scathing letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has turned into a destructive exercise, leading to 77 deaths, four suicide attempts, and 17 hospitalisations in the state. The letter, dated Saturday, January 11, 2026, marks her third communication to CEC Gyanesh Kumar since the drive began.
A Process Devoid of Human Touch
Banerjee accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of conducting a process that is "largely mechanical" and "completely devoid of the application of mind, sensitivity and human touch." She argued that the stated aim of correcting voter records has been subverted, with the exercise now seeming focused solely on the deletion and exclusion of voters, thereby undermining democratic principles.
"It is shocking that an exercise which should have been constructive and productive has already seen 77 deaths," the Chief Minister wrote. She attributed these tragic outcomes to fear, intimidation, and a disproportionate workload stemming from what she termed an "unplanned exercise" by the ECI.
Harassment of Women and Summoning of Eminent Personalities
The Trinamool Congress leader highlighted specific instances of alleged harassment. She pointed out that women electors who have moved to their matrimonial homes and changed surnames post-marriage are being summoned to prove their identity. "This not only reflects a complete lack of social sensitivity but also constitutes a grave insult to women and genuine voters," Banerjee stated.
She also expressed outrage over the summoning of several eminent personalities for hearings, including Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, poet Joy Goswami, actor-MP Deepak Adhikari (Dev), cricketer Mohammed Shami, and a seer from the Bharat Sevashram Sangha. "Does this not amount to sheer audacity on the part of the ECI?" she questioned in her three-page letter.
Observers Acting Beyond Mandate and Technical Irregularities
Banerjee further alleged misconduct by election observers deployed for the SIR. She claimed that many observers and micro-observers, lacking adequate training, were acting beyond their mandate. Some were accused of verbally abusing citizens and labeling them as "Desh Drohi" (traitor).
The CM also raised serious concerns about technical and administrative flaws. She reported that the portal used for West Bengal's SIR appears different from those used in other states. Furthermore, the options for disposing of cases were being altered erratically from the backend, causing confusion among officials. Banerjee termed this a "deliberate and clandestine attempt to disenfranchise eligible voters of the state."
In a handwritten note at the end of the typed letter, she added, "Though I know you won't reply or clarify. But (it is) my duty to inform you (of) the details." She urged the EC to take immediate corrective action to minimise the "harassment, inconvenience and agony of the common citizen," while noting that it was "already very late."
