ECI SIR Process: Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission of 'Arrogance' Over 'Insensitive' SIR Process

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has penned a strongly worded letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, expressing profound shock and concern over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, while the Chief Minister has labeled the process as 'insensitive' and 'inhuman,' asserting that it undermines the very foundations of democracy.

She has gone further to accuse the ECI of 'open defiance', a serious charge against a constitutional body. In her letter, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her deep distress and apprehension regarding the ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which she claims is causing continuous harassment to ordinary citizens. She highlighted that the hearing process has become entirely technical and mechanical, devoid of understanding, sensitivity, and a humane approach, while this exercise, which ideally should have been positive and beneficial, has, according to her, led to a tragic toll of 77 deaths, 4 suicide attempts, and 17 hospitalizations. These alarming figures underscore the alleged inhuman nature of the process, fostering an environment of fear and despair among the populace.

Eminent Personalities Not Spared

CM Mamata Banerjee cited several instances where even distinguished individuals were subjected to this allegedly insensitive process. She pointed out that Nobel laureate Professor Amartya Sen, a revered scholar over 90 years of age, was asked to prove his identity. This particular incident is deemed highly regrettable, as it illustrates the profound lack of human discretion within the process, while similarly, other prominent figures such as acclaimed poet Joy Goswami, Member of Parliament and actor Deepak Adhikari, international cricketer Mohammed Shami, and the Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, have also reportedly endured similar harassment. These examples serve to emphasize that the issue isn't confined to common citizens but affects all strata of society.

Lack of Social Sensitivity and Disrespect for Women

On top of that, the Chief Minister accused the ECI of a significant lack of social sensitivity. She specifically raised the issue of women voters who, after marriage, change their surnames and move to their in-laws' homes, yet are being summoned to prove their identity. Mamata Banerjee condemned this practice as an insult to women and genuine voters. She questioned whether a constitutional body should treat half of the population (women) in such a manner. This highlights a perceived absence of gender sensitivity in the process, causing. Unnecessary hardship for female voters and raising questions about their democratic rights.

Untrained Observers and Overreach of Authority

The letter also detailed concerns about the deployment of observers and micro-observers by the Election Commission for specialized and sensitive tasks without adequate training, while many of these observers, she alleged, are operating beyond their jurisdiction, leading to further confusion and distress among citizens. The Chief Minister referred to disturbing reports where some observers are reportedly labeling ordinary citizens as 'traitors' and misbehaving with them, while such conduct isn't only objectionable but also a direct violation of citizens' dignity and rights, thereby questioning the credibility of the democratic process itself.

Questions on Security Arrangements and Allegations of Political Bias

Mamata Banerjee also criticized the Election Commission for expecting the state to provide security to these so-called observers, while she argued that at a time when a significant police force is already deployed for the Ganga Sagar Mela, the primary duty of the police is to protect ordinary citizens, not to secure these observers. This situation, she contended, places an undue burden on state resources and disrupts the priorities of maintaining law and order. On top of that, the Chief Minister alleged that so-called 'logical discrepancies,' which are in fact 'illogical,' are being deliberately targeted in specific constituencies with political bias. This accusation casts serious doubts on the impartiality and neutrality of the Election Commission, potentially eroding public trust in the democratic process.