Political tensions in West Bengal escalated on Friday as a BJP delegation, led by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, met Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal in Kolkata demanding action against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP accused Banerjee of “threatening” Election Commission officials amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s voter list.
The delegation, comprising 10 BJP MLAs, submitted a written complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI), urging the registration of an FIR and immediate steps to ensure the safety of election officials.
In its letter, the BJP stated, “When the Chief Minister of a State openly threatens the very officers entrusted with ensuring electoral integrity, it sends a chilling message across the administrative hierarchy — that loyalty to the ruling party is preferred over loyalty to the Constitution.”
The party alleged that Banerjee’s remarks amounted to undermining the Election Commission’s authority and were an “attempt to subvert the foundation of Indian democracy.” Suvendu Adhikari said the BJP expected the Commission to act swiftly to “preserve the sanctity of elections” and protect officials from intimidation.
The controversy stems from Mamata Banerjee’s sharp criticism of the Election Commission during a public address on Thursday. She accused EC officials of intimidating government officers and claimed that the voter list revision was a “backdoor NRC” aimed at disenfranchising voters.
Banerjee warned the central government and the EC “not to play with fire,” asserting that Bengal would resist any attempt to remove voters’ names. “Even the British feared Bengal — they had to shift the capital to Delhi because of our nationalist movement,” she said, invoking the state’s legacy of resistance.
The BJP countered that Banerjee’s remarks were irresponsible and provocative, especially as West Bengal prepares for assembly elections next year. The voter list revision is seen as a crucial step in ensuring accurate and fair polls.
The Election Commission is yet to respond officially to the BJP’s complaint, but officials said all parties will be given equal opportunity to present their positions as the revision process continues.
