West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took her protest against the voter list revision in her state all the way to Delhi on Monday, targeting the Election Commission of India (ECI) for what she called an unfair exercise.
Banerjee met top election officials, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, to raise concerns about the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal. She claimed that many genuine voters were wrongly removed or flagged in the process, denying them their democratic rights.
After the meeting, Banerjee spoke strongly against the poll body, calling it “arrogant” and accused it of favouring the BJP, the ruling party at the Centre. She questioned why similar voter list revisions are not happening in BJP‑ruled states like Assam.
Warning of stronger action, Banerjee said she could mobilise “lakhs of people” to Delhi if the issue is not resolved. She framed her visit as a fight to protect voters, not just political posturing, and brought along people affected by the voter list changes as a symbol of protest.
The Election Commission, on the other hand, stressed the importance of following rules and procedures. Officials also raised concerns about abusive language and threats directed at their staff in West Bengal, as well as vandalism at some election offices.
BJP leaders dismissed Banerjee’s Delhi visit as political theatre, claiming it was an attempt to undermine the SIR process for electoral gain.
As West Bengal heads into elections, the SIR issue has become a heated political flashpoint. Both sides are trading accusations over voter rights and electoral integrity, highlighting the tension and high stakes in the state’s political scene.
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