West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp new attack on the Election Commission of India on Tuesday, making serious allegations about the ongoing voter list revision process in the state. She claimed the poll body was illegally using mobile applications developed by the BJP's IT cell to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Allegations of Unconstitutional Methods
According to reports from news agency PTI, Banerjee described the EC's methods as "wrong, unconstitutional and undemocratic." She accused the commission of resorting to various improper tactics during the SIR, which is taking place ahead of crucial assembly elections. The Chief Minister stated that the process was incorrectly marking eligible voters as deceased and was forcing elderly, ill, and indisposed citizens to attend hearings in person.
"The EC is resorting to all kinds of wrong moves for conducting the SIR," Banerjee alleged. Her most explosive charge was the specific claim about the technology being used. "It is making use of mobile apps developed by the BJP’s IT cell for the exercise. This is illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic. This cannot go on," she asserted.
TMC Moves Supreme Court Against EC
Banerjee's fresh allegations came on the same day that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), escalated the legal battle. TMC MP Derek O'Brien moved the Supreme Court against the Election Commission. The petition claims the EC has taken "arbitrary and procedurally irregular actions" while conducting the SIR in West Bengal.
The party has argued that the Special Intensive Revision exercise has "substantially aggravated difficulties faced by eligible and bona fide electors" across the state. This legal move underscores the growing confrontation between the ruling state party and the central election authority.
Call to Citizens and BJP's Response
Addressing the public, Chief Minister Banerjee urged people to be cautious. "I urge the people to remain careful while participating in SIR. They must stand beside those who need help. They don’t need to support me; support only those who are in trouble because of this exercise," she said.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party swiftly rejected all allegations. The party dismissed Banerjee's charges as baseless and politically motivated, framing them as an attempt to discredit the electoral process ahead of the state polls. The political war of words is set to intensify as the revision exercise continues and the election date draws nearer.
