New Delhi: Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the ongoing row surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that India’s election process has been “hijacked” and centralised.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Banerjee accused the Election Commission of actions that she claimed affected voters in West Bengal and questioned the functioning of the poll panel. Her remarks are allegations by Banerjee and have not been established as facts. The Election Commission has defended its SIR-related decisions and said the process is being conducted according to law.
Mamata Raises Questions Over Voter Deletions
Banerjee alleged that a large number of voters were removed from electoral rolls in West Bengal between 2021 and 2026.
She claimed that around 3.5 lakh voters had been removed during the period and alleged that constituencies previously won by the undivided Trinamool Congress saw higher levels of deletion.
Banerjee said her party had approached courts and the Election Commission over the issue and alleged that concerns raised by party representatives were not adequately addressed.
She also referred to claims concerning the functioning of the Election Commission’s IT systems and alleged that access for Electoral Registration Officers had been affected.
Questions Immunity Provision for Election Commissioners
Banerjee also questioned the 2023 legal provision providing immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners from certain legal proceedings in respect of acts done in their official capacity.
She criticised the provision and alleged that it could limit accountability. These are Banerjee’s political and legal criticisms of the provision.
Mamata Repeats EVM and SIR Allegations
Banerjee also repeated allegations concerning EVMs, voter deletions and the SIR exercise, including claims that the electoral process had been manipulated in West Bengal.
She alleged that the BJP had a role in the SIR process and accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar and an Election Commission official of involvement in what she described as voter deletions.
The allegations come amid a wider political dispute over the SIR process. The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions on SIR were taken in accordance with the applicable legal framework. A recent Supreme Court proceeding has also brought the functioning of the Election Commission and the nationwide SIR process under judicial consideration.
Banerjee Targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar
During the press conference, Banerjee referred to Gyanesh Kumar as “Vanish Kumar” and questioned his role in the electoral process.
She alleged that the CEC’s actions were aimed at benefiting the Central government and said people would decide whether he should be held accountable.
Banerjee has previously demanded Kumar’s resignation over the SIR issue and said protests would continue until he steps down.