The West Bengal government has informed the Election Commission that it is prepared to deploy 8,505 Group B officers for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The move comes amid Supreme Court scrutiny over allegations of limited cooperation in the SIR process.
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.
The Supreme Court witnessed an unusual scene as lawyers and litigants crowded the CJI’s courtroom to watch West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee personally present arguments in the SIR case.
The hearing on the electoral roll revision issue drew wide attention and has been adjourned for further proceedings.
