‘Rule of law will prevail’: EC rebuts Mamata Banerjee’s attack over voter roll revision

According to sources within the poll body, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo levelled what were described as “false allegations” during the interaction, behaved in an inappropriate manner, thumped the table and exited the meeting abruptly. 

The Commission rejected her claims and underlined that the SIR exercise would proceed strictly in accordance with the law.

CEC emphasises rule of law during meeting

ECI sources said CEC Gyanesh Kumar responded in detail to the concerns raised by Banerjee, who had led a party delegation to the Commission. 

He reiterated that the rule of law would govern every stage of the Special Intensive Revision and warned that any attempt to take the law into one’s own hands would invite strict action under the Commission’s constitutional powers.

Despite what was described as a “polite posture” maintained by the CEC and the two other Election Commissioners, the TMC chief allegedly continued to make unsubstantiated claims, the sources added.

Poll body flags pressure on election officials

The Election Commission also raised serious concerns over the functioning environment for election officials in West Bengal. 

According to sources, leaders and legislators of the ruling TMC have been targeting election officers, using abusive and threatening language, particularly against the Chief Election Commissioner.

The poll panel further alleged incidents of vandalism at offices of Electoral Registration Officers, including Sub-Divisional Officers and Block Development Officers, purportedly involving TMC workers and MLAs. 

The commission stressed that officers engaged in the SIR process must be allowed to discharge their duties without fear or interference.

“No pressure, obstruction or interference of any kind should be exerted on officers involved in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls,” an ECI source said.

EC highlights administrative issues

Beyond political tensions, the ECI flagged several administrative lapses in the state. 

It noted that Booth Level Officers had not received their full honorarium, with only Rs 7,000 paid so far against the sanctioned Rs 18,000 per officer. 

The Commission urged the state administration to release the remaining payments without delay.

The poll body also pointed out shortcomings in the appointment of Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers. 

It said that despite seeking proposals for Returning Officers on January 20 as per the prescribed criteria, only 67 Assembly constituencies currently have officers of the required rank of SDO or SDM.

The EC also alleged that three Electoral Roll Observers were transferred by the state government without prior consultation. 

Although the Commission sought cancellation of the transfer orders on January 27, it said no corrective action had been reported so far.

Concerns over data security violations

The Commission also flagged alleged violations of statutory duties and data security protocols. 

It claimed that no FIR had been registered against four election officers, including two EROs, two AEROs and a Data Entry Operator, for failing to perform mandated responsibilities and for sharing login credentials with unauthorised individuals.

According to the ECI, such lapses undermine the integrity of the electoral process and must be addressed in accordance with established legal provisions.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accuses Election Commission of bias after heated SIR meeting in New Delhi, February 2, 2026. Photo: AITC Media Unit

Mamata Banerjee’s sharp counterattack

Earlier in the day, Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Chief Election Commissioner while speaking to reporters outside the Election Commission’s office in Delhi. 

Drawing on her long political career, she accused the CEC of arrogance and dishonesty, claiming she had never encountered such behaviour from an election official.

The West Bengal Chief Minister also alleged that the poll body was selectively targeting her state. 

She questioned the deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls, claiming that as many as 58 lakh voters had been removed without being given an opportunity to defend themselves.

High-stakes backdrop of upcoming elections

The confrontation comes at a politically sensitive moment, with West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for the first half of the year. 

It also coincides with heightened scrutiny of the nationwide Special Intensive Revision exercise, which is currently under way in 12 states and Union territories.

The Election Commission has said the final electoral rolls will be published on February 7, underscoring the significance of the ongoing process amid intensifying political exchanges.