West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stormed out of an Election Commission meeting over Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, alleging unreasonable demands and warning of legal action.

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday abruptly exited a meeting with the Election Commission of India, strongly objecting to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls underway in the state ahead of Assembly elections.

Banerjee accused the poll panel of imposing unreasonable documentation requirements, including proof linked to parents’ birth details, and claimed the exercise could lead to the deletion of around 58 lakh names from voter lists. She argued that nearly two crore voters were facing discrepancies due to data mismatches and alleged that genuine electors were being unfairly targeted. According to officials present, the Chief Minister banged the table in protest before walking out, warning that the matter could be taken to court.

The SIR exercise aims to remove names of deceased voters, duplicates and those who have shifted residence. However, Banerjee maintained that the process risks large-scale disenfranchisement if implemented without flexibility and sensitivity.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, meanwhile, countered the allegations, urging the state Governor to ensure the revision proceeds without interference. BJP leaders accused Trinamool Congress functionaries of shielding “ghost voters” while creating hurdles for legitimate voters through fabricated objections.

Analysis: The confrontation highlights how voter roll revisions have become politically charged in election-bound states. With high stakes involved, the challenge for election authorities will be to balance electoral integrity with public trust, ensuring that verification drives do not fuel fears of exclusion. This assessment reflects analytical opinion; all factual details above are drawn from the original content.