SIR in Bengal: ECI Promises Tough Action Against Security Breaches, LOP Targets Mamata

Kolkata – With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal expected to begin after October 15, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has assured state election officials that any breach of security during the process will be dealt with firmly.

At a meeting in Kolaghat, East Midnapore, a central ECI team led by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti met district election officials from East Midnapore, Jhargram, and Bankura. Booth-level officers (BLOs), who will play a crucial role in the field exercise, were specifically assured that even a single incident compromising their safety would not be ignored. The ECI emphasized that it is the state government’s responsibility to ensure the security of officials.

While warning district officials of disciplinary action in case of lapses, the Commission also promised to maintain strict vigilance throughout the revision process.

Meanwhile, political tempers flared after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused an unnamed election official—widely seen as CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal—of corruption and overstepping authority. She questioned why the Commission was already holding meetings with BLOs when, in her words, “the state administration is yet to be taken over by the ECI.”

Her remarks drew a sharp response from Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who urged the Commission to act against Banerjee for “intimidating constitutional officers” and “undermining the democratic process.” He also demanded central security for the CEO, citing a threat to his safety in what he described as a state plagued by lawlessness.

With inputs from IANS