Mamata Accuses BJP-EC Nexus of Voter Deletion Conspiracy in Bengal
Mamata alleges BJP-EC collusion to delete voters, impacting democracy in West Bengal.
Photo by Chad Stembridge
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP and the Election Commission (EC) of conspiring to delete voters from electoral rolls during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR). Banerjee claimed that even prominent citizens like Amartya Sen and poet Joy Goswami received summons during the SIR.
She alleged that the "BJP-EC nexus" plans to remove one crore names from the final electoral rolls, following the deletion of approximately 58 lakh voters' names in the first phase of the SIR. Banerjee also stated that a BJP leader was arrested with thousands of forms related to the SIR, accusing the BJP of coercively submitting these forms to engineer mass deletion of genuine voters.
Key Facts
Mamata alleges: BJP-EC nexus to delete voters
Voters deleted in first phase: 58 lakh
Targeted deletion: 1 crore names
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Constitutional bodies, electoral processes
Linkage to Article 324 of the Constitution
Potential for questions on electoral reforms and the role of the ECI
Visual Insights
Voter Deletion Concerns in West Bengal
Map highlighting West Bengal with a focus on districts where voter deletion concerns are prominent. Includes population density and electoral roll data.
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More Information
Background
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a Republic. Its initial mandate, as defined by Article 324 of the Constitution, was to conduct free and fair elections for the Parliament and State Legislatures. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951, further elaborated the powers and functions of the ECI, including the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls.
Historically, concerns about voter list accuracy and manipulation have been persistent. Booth capturing and impersonation were rampant in the early decades, leading to various electoral reforms. The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter ID cards aimed to reduce these malpractices.
The ECI's role has evolved from simply conducting elections to actively ensuring inclusivity and preventing disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the ECI has focused on leveraging technology to enhance voter registration and verification. The introduction of the Electoral Registration Officer Net (ERONET) system has streamlined the process of adding, deleting, and modifying voter details. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was introduced to enhance transparency and voter confidence.
There has been increasing scrutiny of the ECI's independence and impartiality, particularly concerning the timing and handling of elections. The debate around electoral bonds and their impact on political funding has also indirectly affected the perception of the ECI's neutrality. The future likely holds further technological integration, including the potential use of blockchain technology for secure voting and enhanced data analytics for identifying and addressing voter registration anomalies.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI is a multi-member body consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. 2. The conditions of service and tenure of the Election Commissioners are determined by the President. 3. The ECI has the power to conduct elections to Panchayats and Municipalities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 3 is incorrect. The State Election Commissions conduct elections to Panchayats and Municipalities, not the ECI.
2. Which of the following measures can be undertaken to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process? 1. Mandatory use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in all elections. 2. Making the process of voter list deletion more transparent and participatory. 3. Granting the Election Commission of India (ECI) greater autonomy in financial matters. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three measures would contribute to greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
3. In the context of electoral rolls and voter registration, what is the significance of 'special intensive revision' (SIR)?
- A.It is a one-time exercise conducted before every general election to update voter details.
- B.It is a continuous process throughout the year to register new voters only.
- C.It is a periodic exercise to update and rectify voter lists, including adding new voters and deleting ineligible voters.
- D.It is a process solely focused on verifying the authenticity of existing voters using biometric data.
Show Answer
Answer: C
SIR is a periodic exercise to comprehensively update voter lists, including additions, deletions, and corrections.
Part of Story Threads
Controversy Over Electoral Roll Revisions and Voter Deletions (Jan 2026)
Concerns raised regarding large-scale voter deletions and alleged biases in the electoral roll revision process, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, during January 2026.
Electoral Roll Revision Controversy, January 2026
Controversy surrounding the revision of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal in January 2026, including allegations of politically motivated voter deletion and the Election Commission's defense of its actions.