West Bengal TMC Rallies Against SIR, Targets ECI on Voters’ Day
- Kolkata - West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) protested National voters' Day, January 25, 2026, by rallying against the rules governing the Special...
- The core of the dispute centers on the procedures for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal.
- On January 25, 2026, Banerjee posted on social media, criticizing the ECI's conduct during National Voters' Day, calling it a "tragic farce." Her official Twitter post details these...
West Bengal Chief Minister Criticizes Election Commission Over Voter Roll Revision
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Kolkata – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) protested National voters’ Day, January 25, 2026, by rallying against the rules governing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, with Banerjee directly criticizing the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Allegations Against the Election Commission
The core of the dispute centers on the procedures for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal. Banerjee accused the ECI of acting as a proxy for the BJP, alleging bias in the revision process. She stated the ECI is “working as His Master’s Voice,” implying undue influence from the ruling national party. The TMC alleges the new rules for voter registration are designed to disenfranchise eligible voters.
On January 25, 2026, Banerjee posted on social media, criticizing the ECI’s conduct during National Voters’ Day, calling it a “tragic farce.” Her official Twitter post details these concerns.
Details of the Special Intensive revision (SIR)
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll is a periodic process undertaken by the ECI to update voter lists, incorporating new registrations, deletions of deceased voters, and corrections of existing data. The current SIR in West bengal has been particularly contentious due to new requirements for voter identification and address verification. The TMC claims these requirements disproportionately affect marginalized communities and those without readily available documentation.
The ECI announced the SIR on December 15, 2025, outlining the revised procedures for voter registration and verification. The TMC alleges these procedures deviate from established norms and are intended to suppress voter turnout in areas where the TMC enjoys strong support.
TMC Protests and Rallies
The TMC organized rallies across West Bengal on National Voters’ Day to protest the SIR rules. Party leaders and workers participated in demonstrations, submitting memoranda to district election officials demanding a review of the revision process. The protests aimed to raise public awareness about the alleged irregularities and mobilize support against what the TMC perceives as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
According to a report in The Hindu, TMC supporters blocked roads and raised slogans against the ECI and the BJP during the rallies on January 25, 2026.
ECI Response and BJP Counterclaims
The ECI has not yet issued a formal response to Banerjee’s specific allegations as of January 25, 2026. However, officials have maintained that the SIR is being conducted in accordance with established legal frameworks and guidelines. The ECI emphasizes its commitment to ensuring a free and fair election process.
The BJP has dismissed the TMC’s accusations as baseless and politically motivated. BJP leaders argue that the TMC is attempting to create a narrative of victimhood to deflect attention from its own alleged irregularities and corruption. A statement released by the West Bengal BJP on January 25, 2026, available on the party’s official website, accuses the TMC of attempting to intimidate voters and disrupt the electoral process.