Mamata Banerjee Questions EC Over SIR: Outsourcing & Private Polling Plans
Mamata Banerjee Questions EC Over SIR: Outsourcing & Private Polling Plans
Mamata Banerjee writes to the EC raising two concerns amid the SIR in West Bengal: outsourcing data-entry work and the plan to set up polling stations in private housing complexes.
Mamata Banerjee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner flagging two disturbing yet urgent developments related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision and the state’s election machinery. She asks whether these steps are being taken under pressure from a political party and notes that the timing and manner have raised questions across the political spectrum.
Her first concern is an alleged directive not to use contractual data-entry operators or Bangla Sahyata Kendra staff for SIR or election data work, while the West Bengal chief electoral officer reportedly floated outsourcing about 1,000 data-entry operators and 50 software developers for a year. Banerjee asked why district offices, which already employ experienced professionals, would need to outsource this function and whether outsourcing serves vested interests.
Her second concern relates to a proposal to set up polling stations inside private residential complexes. She called this move deeply problematic and argued it could affect access, fairness, and oversight, while raising concerns about security and transparency.
Context surrounding the SIR includes a heated political row between the TMC and BJP and concerns about the deaths of booth level officers in some states, including Bengal, which has added to the debate. Banerjee also notes attacks from the ruling party accusing the ECI of appeasement, while the opposition questions infiltrators being removed from voter lists. The election commission has not publicly commented on Banerjee's latest concerns.
Cover image source: After Bihar, Congress and BJP trade barbs over SIR in Bengal; TMC meeting today 🔗
