Tensions Rise as Mamata Banerjee Warns West Bengal Electoral Officer Amid Voter List Revision Controversy

Kolkata:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a stern warning to the state's chief electoral officer Manoj Agarwal on Thursday, cautioning him to remain "within his limits."

Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat, she made indirect references to the official, stating, "The CEO from this state, who has allegations against him, which I will address at an appropriate time... I hope he stays within his limits. I mean, don't overreact."

The Chief Minister alleged that the poll chief was issuing threats to officials. "The one who has allegations of corruption against him is threatening officers," she remarked.

Banerjee's comments coincided with the conclusion of a two-day visit by an Election Commission delegation led by Ganesh Bharti, who was reviewing preparedness for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The delegation conducted meetings with district administrations throughout the state, except North Bengal, where flood relief operations are currently underway.

Reports indicate that the electoral body has established an October 15 deadline for completing preparations for the SIR implementation in the state. However, the Commission has not officially announced any tentative schedule.

The BJP, which serves as the primary opposition in West Bengal, has expressed support for the special revision. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed that approximately 1 crore names will be removed from Bengal's voters list during this exercise.

"It is with grave concern and utmost urgency that I draw the attention of the Respected Chief Election Commissioner of India, to the blatant and audacious threats made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, who is a Constitutional Representative of the ECI, in the state," Adhikari posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

His post emphasized that this was not an isolated incident.

"On July 28, 2025, during an administrative meeting in Bolpur, Mamata Banerjee openly threatened Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are State Government employees, warning them of 'consequences' if they dared to exclude even a single name from the Voter List," he stated, calling for strong punitive measures from the electoral body against the Chief Minister.

The BJP has accused Trinamool Congress of supporting infiltrators in the state. The governing party has strongly rejected these allegations, pointing out that international border security falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking to media representatives outside the legislative assembly, Adhikari highlighted cumulative growth in voter registrations in border districts, specifically mentioning Rajarhat, Domkal, and Jalangi.

The BJP and Trinamool are engaged in an intense political competition ahead of elections scheduled for early next year, with the Election Commission now finding itself at the center of yet another political controversy.