Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of functioning as a “BJP agent” by covertly initiating the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. Speaking at a public rally in Bolpur as part of the Bhasha Andolan, Banerjee claimed the EC’s move to verify citizenship documents under the guise of voter list revision is an indirect attempt to exclude genuine citizens—especially Bengali-speaking Muslims and Dalits—from the electoral rolls.
Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission: The Controversial Directive
The ECI’s decision to conduct a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls has stirred debate. As part of the process, individuals born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004, are being asked to furnish documents proving their citizenship under what is referred to as Annexure D.
Critics argue that the requirement mirrors documentation demands previously seen during NRC implementation in Assam, which led to widespread exclusion and confusion. Mamata Banerjee warned that such actions could amount to “voter cleansing,” disenfranchising thousands without due process.
TMC’s Stand: Bengal Will Reject NRC
Banerjee reiterated her long-standing opposition to NRC, stating, “There will be no NRC in Bengal as long as I am alive.” She urged citizens not to panic and accused the BJP-led central government of using the EC to implement its political agenda in Bengal ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
She further claimed that the sudden electoral revision was being conducted without proper consultation and could endanger the rights of legitimate voters, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Election Commission’s Response
In response to these allegations, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, stated that the revision of rolls is a routine, legally mandated exercise. Officials emphasized that the process includes checks and balances, such as door-to-door verification, and allows voters to raise objections or file appeals.
The EC clarified that the move is part of preparations for upcoming elections and denied any political influence or intent behind the documentation requests.
Opposition Reacts
Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, condemned Mamata Banerjee’s remarks, labeling them as a “desperate political tactic” to divert attention from governance failures. He argued that the revision process is standard and designed to ensure clean and accurate voter rolls.
He added that the Chief Minister’s narrative was misleading and that no official NRC implementation has been ordered in Bengal by the Centre or EC.
Public and Legal Concerns
The process has caused confusion among students, young voters, and daily wage workers who may not have easy access to documents like birth certificates or school records. Human rights lawyers and civil society groups have raised concerns that the burden of proof may lead to exclusion from voting rights, especially among women and rural populations.
Legal experts point to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which governs the preparation of electoral rolls, noting that while voter list maintenance is essential, it must be done with transparency and accountability to avoid any human rights violations.
The Bhasha Andolan and Cultural Overtones
Banerjee has linked the voter list controversy with a wider cultural struggle. The Bhasha Andolan, revived to defend the Bengali language and identity, has become a political platform to oppose what the TMC sees as central government overreach and cultural imposition.
Mamata emphasized that Bengal has a history of resistance—from the anti-divide movement to the language protests—and warned that the people will not accept attempts to divide them on linguistic or religious lines.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| CM’s Accusation | ECI acting as BJP agent, pushing NRC by proxy |
| EC’s Directive | Voters from 1987–2004 to submit proof of citizenship (Annexure D) |
| TMC’s Stand | Total opposition to NRC; appeals for unity and calm |
| EC’s Response | Routine voter list revision; legal and non-political |
| Opposition’s View | CM creating panic for political mileage |
| Public Concern | Risk of disenfranchisement of poor, minorities, and young voters |
External References for Verification
- Press Information Bureau – Voter List Revision
- Representation of the People Act, 1950 – Indian Law Portal
- UN Human Rights on NRC Concerns
- Election Commission of India – Voter Verification
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