Mamata Banerjee slams EC on National Voters' Day, calls it a tragic farce
Mamata Banerjee slams EC on National Voters' Day, calls it a tragic farce
West Bengal chief minister accuses the Election Commission of bulldozing democracy on National Voters Day, sparking a row over voter verification and the SIR exercise.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission on National Voters Day, calling the EC's actions a "tragic farce" and arguing it is destroying democracy on behalf of the BJP. She contended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal is being pushed with undue haste, a move she says undermines public trust.
Banerjee claimed the EC is harassing citizens by demanding physical appearances for verification, particularly those from vulnerable groups, and suggested such measures can cause distress or even fatalities. She urged a more transparent process and accused central authorities of pressuring the electoral machinery.
These remarks come amid a broader political confrontation between her party and the BJP, with opponents arguing about the integrity of voter rolls and the conduct of elections. Separately, a police complaint has been filed against BJP leader Sanjay Das.
Analysts say the debate reflects deeper tensions over electoral reform and governance, but the chief minister emphasized the need for calm and lawful protest while calling on election officials to safeguard democratic principles.
