West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday expressed serious concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state. In a letter, addressed to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, she has urged the the Election Commission to intervene immediately. Notably, the second phase of the SIR across West Bengal is currently underway, with the enumeration process in progress.
Mamata flags ‘dangerous’ gaps and chaotic SIR process
Mentioning about her previous letters, Mamata described the SIR exercise as “unplanned, chaotic and dangerous,” highlighting gaps in training, lack of clarity on documentation, and the impossibility of meeting voters amidst their work schedules. The West Bengal CM stated that she repeatedly flagged concerns regarding the ongoing SIR process in West Bengal. Mamata emphasised that the situation has now reached a “deeply alarming stage” and needs urgent intervention from the EC.
“The manner in which this exercise is being forced upon officials and citizens is not only unplanned and chaotic, but also dangerous. The absence of even basic preparedness, adequate planning or clear communication has crippled the process from day one. Critical gaps in training, lack of clarity on mandatory documentation and the near-impossibility of meeting voters in the midst of their livelihood schedules have made the exercise structurally unsound,” CM Mamata stated in her letter.
Sharing herewith my latest letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, articulating my serious concerns in respect of the ongoing SIR…. pic.twitter.com/7cbOOQl7Ax
---Advertisement---— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 21, 2025
BLOs are now operating far beyond human limits: WB CM
While she appreciated the strenuous efforts put in by the BLOs under extremely pressing circumstances and huge work load, she highlighted that they have not been provided adequate training, support and time required for undertaking a mammoth exercise of this nature.
“The unrealistic workload, impossible timelines, and inadequate support with online data entry have collectively placed the entire process-and its credibility at severe risk. This strikes at the heart of our electoral democracy. BLOs are now operating far beyond human limits. They are expected to manage their principal duties (many being teachers and frontline workers) while simultaneously conducting door-to-door surveys and handling complex e-submissions. Most are struggling with online forms due to lack of training, server failures, and repeated data mismatches,” Mamata added.
Mamata condemns West Bengal CEO’s response
In her letter, she further alleged no cooperation and support from the West Bengal CEO, calling their response “unacceptable.” Mamata highlighted the commission’s refusal to acknowledge the reality on the ground, and condemned issuance of show-cause notices without justification.
“What is particularly unacceptable is the response from the Election Commission at this juncture. Instead of offering support, extending timelines, or addressing systemic flaws, the office of CEO West Bengal has resorted to intimidation. Show-cause notices are being issued without justification. BLOs already stretched and distressed are being threatened with severe disciplinary action simply because the Commission refuses to acknowledge the reality on the ground,” Mamata noted.
