West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written a fresh letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, expressing deep concern over two “disturbing yet urgent” developments connected to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. She raised pointed questions about whether these actions were being undertaken under pressure from a political party, intensifying the already heated political conflict between her ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP.

In her letter, Banerjee objected to an alleged Election Commission order barring contractual data-entry operators and Bangla Sahyata Kendra staff from working on SIR-related tasks. Instead, the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer issued a request to outsource 1,000 data-entry operators and 50 software developers for a full year, despite district offices having existing skilled personnel. Banerjee asked, “Is this exercise being undertaken at the behest of a political party to serve vested interests? The timing and manner of this request raise legitimate doubts.”

The second issue flagged by Banerjee is the Election Commission’s plan to potentially set up polling stations inside private residential complexes. She described this proposal as “deeply problematic,” highlighting concerns that it could compromise electoral fairness and create discriminatory divisions between privileged residents and the general public, effectively favoring “the haves” over “the have-nots.” She questioned if partisan interests were influencing this decision and requested that the Commission uphold its dignity, neutrality, and credibility.

Also Read: From Nitish Kumar’s Critic to His Deputy: The Political Journey of Bihar Leader Samrat Choudhary

These allegations come amid a growing row over the SIR process, which Banerjee has repeatedly criticized as “unplanned, chaotic, and dangerous.” The revision exercise has reportedly led to intense pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs), resulting in tragic fatalities. The ruling TMC accuses the Election Commission of favoring political agendas, while the BJP counters by alleging that Mamata Banerjee is trying to protect “illegal elements” from removal in the voter lists ahead of the 2026 state elections.

Mamata’s letter demands impartial and transparent action from the Election Commission to ensure the integrity of the electoral process is not compromised. The ongoing friction over the SIR operation underscores the high political stakes in West Bengal, with elections looming and both parties fiercely contesting control over voter rolls and election administration.

Also Read: Gujarat’s Rs 10,000 Crore Farm Relief Triggers Political Outcry Over Insufficient Support