Political Tensions Rise as TMC Accuses Election Commission of SIR-Related Deaths

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Election Commission (EC) of ignoring issues linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, alleging around 40 deaths. EC officials deny these allegations, urging non-interference in electoral processes and refraining from spreading misinformation.

The Trinamool Congress delegation, led by Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien, confronted the Election Commission (EC) on allegations of 40 SIR-related deaths in West Bengal, which the EC dismissed as baseless. EC officials emphasized that the independence of booth-level officers must be respected during the ongoing revision of electoral rolls.

The EC advised the TMC delegation to refrain from influencing booth-level officers and spreading misinformation on election procedures. The TMC delegation, also comprising Lok Sabha MPs Mahua Moitra and Kalyan Banerjee, raised pressing questions, which they claim went unanswered by the Chief Election Commissioner.

The delegation provided a list of alleged SIR-related deaths, which the EC considered unfounded. The TMC questioned the need for the revision and expressed concerns over potential voter deletions, highlighting comments by BJP leaders. The EC urged the claims be formally presented after the draft list disclosure on December 9.

(With inputs from agencies.)