Tensions simmer in West Bengal’s election machinery as the Calcutta High Court mandates the Election Commission to justify rejecting pleas for more time on voter list revisions. The order highlights the high stakes in preparing error-free electoral rolls for impending democratic exercises.
At the heart of the controversy is the special intensive revision drive launched months ago, aimed at cleaning up inaccuracies from previous cycles. Critics contend the aggressive timeline – with claims and objections windows closing imminently – leaves little room for appeals or corrections, potentially affecting marginalized communities most.
Court proceedings revealed startling figures: over 10 lakh deletions proposed statewide, triggering uproar. Districts like South 24 Parganas report mass exclusions linked to address changes post-cyclone Amphan, while urban Kolkata grapples with rental tenant oversights.
The ECI, represented robustly, defended its protocol as per the Representation of the People Act, stressing data-driven purges to eliminate ghosts and fakes. Yet, the bench questioned the transparency of BLO verifications and integration with schemes like NFSA and MGNREGA.
Political crossfire intensifies the saga. Ruling TMC alleges opposition-orchestrated petitions to derail governance, while NDA allies decry ‘selective cleansing’ favoring incumbents. Civil society demands independent audits.
With the response deadline set, the ECI might propose phased extensions or digital enhancements like self-updation portals. Voter awareness campaigns are intensifying via FM radio, SMS, and apps.
This isn’t isolated; similar tussles occurred in Bihar and Maharashtra recently. For West Bengal, a tinderbox of regionalism and communal undercurrents, flawless rolls are non-negotiable.
The judiciary’s nudge reinforces accountability, compelling the poll panel to prioritize participation over haste. As Bengal braces for polls, this resolution could set precedents for nationwide reforms, fortifying electoral trust.