Mamata Banerjee's Standoff with Election Commission Over SIR Issue

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission of being biased after walking out of a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner. Banerjee, demanding a halt to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, claimed the panel is working in favor of BJP, leaving the meeting in protest.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of a crucial meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him and the commission of arrogance and alleging bias in favor of the BJP over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue. Wearing black shawls as a symbol of protest, Banerjee, accompanied by other TMC leaders and affected families, voiced strong disapproval.

Banerjee demanded a halt to the SIR process in the poll-bound state, claiming that the EC was 'arrogant' and had 'humiliated' their delegation. The TMC supremo, expressing dissatisfaction with the response from the Election Commission, labeled the interaction a farce and accused the officials of siding with the BJP's interests.

In the aftermath of the heated exchange, the Chief Election Commissioner assured that the rule of law would prevail, and any violations would be addressed. EC officials noted that while the TMC leaders were heard out, their agitation led to an abrupt departure, leaving tensions high between the party and the commission.

(With inputs from agencies.)