Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi opposed the plea for an FIR alleging her name was added to the electoral roll before she acquired Indian citizenship, calling it “wholly misconceived, frivolous, politically motivated, and an abuse of the process of law.”
The Election Commission of India told the Supreme Court that its officials faced threats, violence and zero police cooperation during the SIR process in West Bengal. The ECI cited statements like “Will break ECI’s legs” and alleged intimidation by the Mamata Banerjee government, warning of a hostile environment for election officials.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee personally argued before the Supreme Court, alleging that the SIR of electoral rolls is being misused to target Bengal and harass genuine voters. The top court stressed that “genuine persons must remain on the electoral rolls” and sought responses from the Election Commission.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee may attend the Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday in cases challenging the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. The petitions allege arbitrariness and warn that the exercise could lead to mass voter disenfranchisement.
The Calcutta High Court has directed the Election Commission and the West Bengal government to file reports on a PIL alleging withdrawal of election-related infrastructure work. The Court said the EC has the authority to ensure proper facilities for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Bengal Assembly elections.