TMC Flags Contradictory Election Commission: A fresh controversy has erupted in West Bengal over voter list revision procedures, as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of issuing contradictory directions regarding the inclusion of relatives in Special Summary Revision (SSR) or SIR (Special Integrated Revision) forms used for verifying electoral rolls.
According to senior TMC leaders, different district election officials across Bengal have received inconsistent guidelines from the Commission regarding whether relatives of voters can be included as “family members” for verification purposes — a process critical to maintaining the accuracy of the state’s voter database ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The dispute, which emerged during the ongoing special revision of electoral rolls, has prompted the TMC to formally seek clarification from the ECI, arguing that discrepancies could lead to wrongful deletions, exclusion of eligible voters, and administrative confusion.
Background: The Special Integrated Revision and Its Political Significance
The Special Integrated Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is an annual exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India to ensure the accuracy and inclusivity of voter lists.
In Bengal, where political competition is intense and voter turnout historically high, the process is particularly sensitive.
This year’s SIR has assumed greater importance as the state prepares for panchayat follow-up elections and the 2026 Assembly polls. District election offices have been tasked with verifying new voters, updating addresses, and correcting deletions caused by migration or death.
However, the Trinamool Congress claims that the Election Commission’s instructions on who qualifies as a “family member” eligible to assist in verification have been unclear and, in some cases, contradictory.
“In one district, relatives like brothers or sisters are being allowed to confirm voter details on behalf of family members. In another, they are being rejected outright. This lack of uniformity is causing chaos and suspicion,” said a senior TMC functionary at the state headquarters in Kolkata.
The Dispute Over ‘Relatives’ and Verification Rules
According to the Election Commission’s manual on electoral roll management, enumerators and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are expected to verify the identity and residence of voters using family documents or self-declaration forms (Form 6, 7, 8 and 8A under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960).
In Bengal, local BLOs reportedly sought clarification on whether relatives such as uncles, cousins, or in-laws could sign on behalf of absent voters living in the same household.
The confusion intensified when district election offices in Cooch Behar, North 24 Parganas, and Jalpaiguri allegedly issued differing interpretations of the rule.
TMC leaders have argued that this inconsistent interpretation could lead to mass errors and disenfranchisement.
“If the Election Commission allows relatives in one area and not in another, the process becomes discriminatory. Every voter deserves equal treatment across Bengal,” said TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien in a written statement.
He also accused the ECI of “deliberate ambiguity” that, he claimed, could open the door for voter suppression in opposition strongholds.
Election Commission’s Clarification Efforts
In response, senior officials from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal’s office have said that the Commission is aware of the issue and that an internal clarification is being circulated to ensure uniformity.
A senior election official in Kolkata stated:
“There is no contradiction in principle. The Commission’s position is that only family members residing in the same household can verify forms during the revision. However, field officers may have interpreted the rule differently due to language or procedural misunderstanding.”
The official added that a fresh circular was being issued to all District Election Officers (DEOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to ensure standard interpretation across the state.
Trinamool’s Political Reaction and Allegations
The TMC has used the controversy to question the Election Commission’s impartiality, accusing it of bias and administrative lapses. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh alleged that the ECI’s functioning in Bengal has been “politically motivated” since the 2021 Assembly elections.
“We respect constitutional institutions, but when the Commission sends mixed signals on voter inclusion, it threatens democratic participation. These contradictions are unacceptable,” Ghosh said at a press conference.
The TMC has formally written to the Chief Electoral Officer of Bengal seeking a comprehensive clarification and uniform operational guidelines.
According to party insiders, the communication highlights at least seven instances of contradictory instructions from field-level officials, which could affect lakhs of voters if not rectified immediately.
TMC Flags Contradictory Election Commission- Opposition’s Counterpoint: ‘Political Theatre’
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, dismissed the TMC’s allegations, calling them an attempt to preempt accountability.
Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition, said:
“The Election Commission is doing its job. The TMC fears clean-up of fake voters. Whenever the ECI tightens verification, they create drama. Bengal’s people know the truth.”
The BJP has long accused the ruling TMC of maintaining inflated voter rolls and manipulating booth-level data to gain electoral advantage in close contests.
Political analysts note that this clash between the TMC and ECI mirrors earlier confrontations — particularly during the 2021 Assembly elections, when the Commission deployed central forces and extended polling across eight phases, a move the TMC described as “politically driven.”
Legal and Administrative Context
Under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the preparation and revision of electoral rolls must be conducted impartially and transparently by the Election Commission of India.
The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, lays down specific procedures for form submission and verification.
- Form 6: For new voter registration.
- Form 7: For deletion or objection.
- Form 8: For corrections.
- Form 8A: For address transposition within the same constituency.
Each form requires documentary proof of age, residence, and citizenship — typically supported by Aadhaar, voter ID, or local certificates.
However, in rural Bengal, where many citizens live in joint families, multiple relatives may reside in the same household without direct documentary linkage — making the interpretation of “family member” crucial.
Administrative experts warn that unclear instructions could disproportionately affect such communities.
“The contradiction over relatives in SIR forms can seem minor, but in practice, it can exclude thousands of legitimate voters,” said Dr. Prabir Bhattacharya, former West Bengal State Election Commission official.
Grassroots Impact: Confusion Among Booth-Level Officers
Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are responsible for field verification, are reportedly facing confusion on the ground.
In several blocks of Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Cooch Behar, BLOs said that they had not received uniform instructions on handling applications signed by relatives.
One BLO from Jalpaiguri, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“In one training session, we were told to accept a cousin or nephew’s signature if they live in the same house. In another, the district office said only immediate family members like parents, spouses, or children count. We need clear direction.”
This inconsistency has also led to the rejection of several voter forms during preliminary verification. NGOs monitoring voter inclusion have warned that if the confusion persists, it could disenfranchise vulnerable sections of society.
Civil Society and Legal Experts Call for Transparency
Civil rights organisations and election monitoring groups have echoed the TMC’s demand for clarity, though without directly attributing political motive.
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), in a statement, said that while procedural uniformity is essential, political parties must refrain from sensationalising administrative lapses.
“Voter roll integrity is fundamental to free and fair elections. The Election Commission should publish clear FAQs and field guidelines in local languages to prevent confusion,” said an ADR spokesperson.
Legal experts also note that inconsistencies in the voter verification process could invite judicial scrutiny if not resolved soon.
“If the rule is applied differently across districts, it violates the principle of equality before law under Article 14 of the Constitution,” said Kolkata-based advocate Anindita Saha, who specialises in election law.
Past Controversies Between TMC and Election Commission
This is not the first time that the Trinamool Congress has accused the Election Commission of procedural contradictions.
- In 2021, TMC alleged that the multi-phase polling schedule was designed to favour opposition parties.
- In 2022, the party claimed inconsistencies in the publication of electoral roll supplements.
- In 2024, before the Lok Sabha elections, it protested alleged delays in replacing deceased voters’ names in several districts.
Political observers see the current dispute as part of a continuing tug-of-war between the state’s ruling party and the central election authority.
Reactions from the Chief Electoral Officer’s Office
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal has sought to downplay the controversy, stating that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being reinforced.
“We have reviewed the matter and are issuing uniform instructions to ensure consistency across districts. No eligible voter will be left out,” the CEO’s office said in a written response.
The Commission is also expected to launch a statewide voter awareness campaign to educate citizens about documentation and verification norms under the SIR process.
Administrative Reforms Under Discussion
Election officials are reportedly considering new measures to streamline verification, including:
- Digitised Household Linking: Using Aadhaar or other identifiers to verify family relations electronically.
- Standardised Training Modules: To ensure BLOs receive uniform interpretation of ECI guidelines.
- Voter Helpline Expansion: Through the 1950 helpline number and online portal https://voters.eci.gov.in.
- Joint Review Meetings: Between district magistrates, electoral officers, and representatives of major political parties to resolve procedural disputes.
If successfully implemented, these reforms could reduce discrepancies and rebuild confidence among both voters and political stakeholders.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political scientist Dr. Ujjwal Chakraborty observes that the recurring conflict between TMC and the ECI reflects deeper tensions in India’s federal electoral framework.
“Bengal’s political environment magnifies every administrative issue into a political controversy. The contradiction over relatives in SIR forms is a procedural matter, but it has become a flashpoint because of mistrust,” he said.
He also noted that similar disputes have occurred in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but without the same intensity of public confrontation.
Public Sentiment and Field Feedback
Interviews conducted with voters in Cooch Behar and Murshidabad revealed mixed reactions.
Many residents expressed confusion about documentation, while others feared deletion from voter rolls if their family structure was not recognised.
“My son works in Kolkata; I live here with my brother. The BLO said I can’t list him as a relative since he’s not present. That means he’ll lose his vote?” asked Manju Das, a resident of Dinhata.
Others, however, expressed confidence that the Commission would resolve the issue soon.
A schoolteacher from Jalpaiguri said, “It’s a technical glitch. The Election Commission will clarify. But political parties are making it a bigger issue.”
The Broader Context: Electoral Integrity in West Bengal
West Bengal’s history of high voter participation — often exceeding 80% — underscores the importance of transparent electoral processes.
Any procedural ambiguity risks eroding trust among both voters and political actors.
The state has also been a testing ground for reforms like digital voter ID linking, poll booth mapping, and gender-neutral BLO assignments.
However, recurring allegations of inconsistencies, bias, or interference continue to shadow the electoral machinery.
Political analysts believe that the current episode, though technical, carries symbolic weight: it represents the fine balance between bureaucratic independence and political perception in India’s democracy.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the Trinamool Congress continues to flag contradictory Election Commission directions on relatives allowed in Bengal SIR forms, the controversy underscores the challenges of conducting fair and consistent voter revisions in a politically charged environment.
While the Election Commission has promised uniform clarification and procedural correction, the incident has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between India’s constitutional institutions and political stakeholders.
The coming weeks will be crucial: uniform circulars, transparent communication, and public confidence-building will determine whether this procedural issue fades quietly or escalates into yet another flashpoint ahead of Bengal’s 2026 polls.
External Reference Links
- Election Commission of India (ECI): https://eci.gov.in
- Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal: https://ceowestbengal.nic.in
- Representation of the People Act, 1950 (Full Text): https://legislative.gov.in
- Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: https://eci.gov.in/important-instructions/the-registration-of-electors-rules-1960/
- Wikipedia – Elections in West Bengal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_West_Bengal
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