West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that ordinary citizens are being harassed in the name of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter list and that the Election Commission’s functioning is increasingly reflecting political bias. Describing several recent decisions and actions of the Commission as “alarming for democracy”, the Chief Minister warned that the ongoing process is leading to exclusion and disenfranchisement rather than correction and inclusion.
At the end of the typed letter, Mamata added a handwritten note stating, “Though I know you won’t reply or clarify, but my duty to inform you the details,” underscoring her skepticism about receiving a response from the constitutional body.
In the letter, the Chief Minister alleged that despite repeatedly flagging the genuine difficulties faced by migrant workers living outside the state, the Election Commission has provided concessions late and only in a limited manner. While some migrant workers have been allowed to appear for hearings through authorised family members, this facility is not uniformly extended to all, she said, reflecting a lack of sensitivity to ground realities.
Mamata further claimed that the recent conduct of the Election Commission shows clear signs of arbitrariness and political bias. She argued that voter list revision, which should ideally strengthen democracy by ensuring accuracy and inclusion, is instead resulting in the exclusion of eligible voters.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns over the appointment of observers and micro-observers in West Bengal, alleging that many of them lack adequate training and necessary skills. Some, she claimed, have exceeded their authority, behaved rudely with citizens, and even branded people as “anti-national”. She objected to the state police being asked to provide security to such observers at a time when the force is already stretched due to major events like the Gangasagar Mela, calling the demand inappropriate.
Highlighting what she termed “logical discrepancies” and factual inconsistencies, Mamata alleged that these were being selectively applied in certain areas for political reasons. She also claimed that the voter revision portal used in West Bengal differs from those used in other states, adding to administrative confusion. Frequent changes in rules related to retrospective settlement, she said, have further complicated the process.
The Chief Minister alleged that citizens are being summoned for trivial issues such as minor spelling errors in names or small discrepancies in age. Citing examples, she said people are being questioned over variations like “Mamata” instead of “Mamta”, or surnames such as “Kumar” being recorded as “Komar” or “Kumer”. Even an age gap of 18–19 years between parents and children is being treated as problematic, she noted. Mamata questioned who would be held accountable for the loss of time, money and daily wages suffered by citizens summoned for such minor issues.
Concluding the letter, the Chief Minister said she hopes the Election Commission will act wisely while there is still time and take corrective measures to reduce harassment of ordinary people. She added that even if the Commission chooses not to respond or clarify its stand, it was her duty to place these concerns on record in the interest of the people of West Bengal.
Also read: Kolkata Police begin probe on Mamata's complaint against ED raids
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