TMC Alleges Election Commission Negligence in West Bengal SIR Deaths

A Trinamool Congress delegation met with India's Election Commission, alleging 40 SIR-related deaths in West Bengal and accusing the poll panel chief of negligence. The delegation raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and questioned its implementation and neutrality. The commission dismissed the allegations.

A delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday met with the full bench of the Election Commission of India to address severe allegations surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, claiming that negligence in the process has resulted in approximately 40 deaths.

Leading the 10-member delegation was TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien, who, along with MPs including Mahua Moitra and Satabdi Roy, confronted the poll body with five pointed questions. The delegation accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of having 'blood on his hands' for the alleged fatalities linked to SIR.

The TMC claims these deaths are a direct result of the SIR process and demands accountability and transparency in its implementation. They also challenged the decision not to conduct a similar exercise in Northeastern states and criticized the recent rule amendment allowing external Booth Level Agents.

(With inputs from agencies.)