CEC Gyanesh Kumar Dismisses Reports of Rift With West Bengal Government Over Electoral Roll Revision
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New Delhi, October 27, 2025: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday dismissed as “imaginary” all speculation about a disagreement between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal government regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Addressing the media, the CEC clarified that the SIR process in 12 States and Union Territories would proceed smoothly and in accordance with constitutional procedures. “There is no friction over the SIR in West Bengal,” Gyanesh Kumar asserted, adding that both the Election Commission and state governments are bound by their respective constitutional responsibilities.
“By preparing to conduct the SIR, the Election Commission is performing its constitutional duty and, in the same manner, every state government will also perform its duty,” he said.
His comments came amid reports suggesting that the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was opposed to the voter list revision exercise.
SIR Is a Constitutional Process, Says ECI
The Chief Election Commissioner underlined that all state governments are duty-bound to cooperate with the Election Commission by providing personnel, logistical support, and security for the revision and electoral process. He emphasized that the ECI’s aim is to ensure accuracy and transparency in the voter rolls.
Gyanesh Kumar also revealed that the Commission had incorporated lessons learned from the recent Bihar SIR to make the upcoming revision more effective. “Some additional instructions will be issued for the exercise in these 12 states and Union Territories,” he said.
Political Reactions in West Bengal
Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal continues to oppose the SIR, calling it an indirect attempt by the Union government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to introduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.
According to party sources, the TMC is planning a large-scale anti-SIR rally in Kolkata in the first week of November. The event is expected to feature Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee as main speakers.
Earlier this month, CM Banerjee warned that she would not tolerate the deletion of names from specific communities during the voter list revision. She also accused the ECI of rushing the process despite ongoing natural calamities and the festive season in the state.
“A crisis because of a natural calamity is still prevailing in West Bengal. Houses of several people have been washed away because of the flood. In such a situation, how will they furnish the necessary documents for the SIR?” she said.
The Road Ahead
The ECI’s schedule for the Special Intensive Revision aims to ensure updated and accurate electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections. Despite political tensions in West Bengal, the CEC reiterated that the revision process is purely administrative and essential for maintaining the integrity of India’s democratic system.
Final Thoughts by The Trending People
The Election Commission’s assertion seeks to ease political tensions over the SIR process in West Bengal. While the ECI maintains that it is performing a constitutional duty, the Trinamool Congress’ resistance reflects deeper mistrust between the state and central institutions. The upcoming weeks, particularly the planned anti-SIR rally in Kolkata, will determine how the issue unfolds politically.