Mamata Banerjee's Claims Spark Controversy Over Electoral Roll Changes in West Bengal

Tensions escalate in West Bengal as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accuses the Election Commission of unfairly removing millions of names from electoral rolls. The BJP counters her claims, asserting that the democratic process must follow constitutional guidelines. This political clash raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the treatment of women voters. As both sides prepare for a heated debate, the implications for democracy in the state remain significant. Read on to discover the unfolding drama and its potential impact on upcoming elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 17:11 IST

Political Tensions Rise Over Electoral Roll Revision

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken aim at West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, criticizing her comments regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They asserted that the democratic framework of the nation will adhere to constitutional guidelines rather than the directives of the Trinamool Congress leader.

This criticism follows Banerjee's allegations that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been removing names from the draft electoral rolls without due process during the SIR in West Bengal. She specifically pointed out that women voters are being disproportionately affected.

In response, BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi remarked that Banerjee appears to be in a state of 'complete despair,' which he believes is driving her to make such claims.

Naqvi stated, 'The end of the oppressive regime in West Bengal is essential for its citizens. The populace has endured significant suffering under this administration, and those in power are merely creating disturbances out of desperation.'

BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi accused Banerjee and the opposition of orchestrating a major conspiracy against the SIR.

'The SIR is also being executed in Uttar Pradesh, where I serve as an MP. I can attest that all parties and demographics are satisfied with the process. If our voter list is inaccurate, how can we fortify democracy? It will not operate according to Mamata Banerjee's wishes; it will follow the ECI and the Constitution,' Tripathi stated.

He also suggested that Banerjee's actions during an Enforcement Directorate raid, where she allegedly fled with documents, warrant investigation.

UP Minister Anil Rajbhar expressed that the public is largely ignoring the opposition's remarks regarding the SIR.

Rajbhar commented, 'When any opposition party discusses the Election Commission—be it the Samajwadi Party, TMC, or any other—people are neither taking them seriously nor paying attention.'

'The ECI is correctly conducting the SIR, which is crucial for eliminating infiltrators from our nation. The public will recognize that Banerjee's reactions are detrimental to the country,' he added.

Banerjee has claimed that approximately 5.8 million names were removed by electoral registration officers, alleging that this was done to benefit the BJP.

She labeled this a significant error, stating, 'This is the ECI's gravest mistake. They have manipulated the electoral process to favor the BJP, attempting to undermine the democratic rights of the populace.'

'Names of 5.8 million voters were unjustly removed without any opportunity for them to contest this decision. Women who have changed their surnames or moved after marriage have been specifically targeted,' the Chief Minister asserted.

Banerjee further alleged that similar tactics were employed in other states, saying, 'They executed the same strategy in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Bihar. No one understood what transpired until the final rolls were published, and by then, the election dates had already been announced. They have similar plans in place here,' referring to the deletion of around 5.8 million names from the draft electoral roll released on December 16.