Mamata Banerjee to meet CEC today over Special Intensive Revision row
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New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at the Election Commission headquarters here on Monday to address concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in her state.
The Trinamool Congress supremo is departing Kolkata on Sunday afternoon for the national capital, where she plans to engage with top opposition leaders during the Budget Session to build consensus against the SIR process. Party sources indicated the timing was deliberate, capitalizing on the presence of opposition heavyweights in Delhi.
While her return date remains unconfirmed, insiders expect her back in Kolkata before February 5, ahead of the state assembly's "vote on account" presentation. The treasury bench plans to introduce two key motions condemning the conduct of central probe agencies like CBI and ED, as well as the SIR exercise.
Tensions are high following Banerjee's strongly worded letter to the CEC on Saturday, where she challenged the authority of special roll observers (SROs) and micro-observers appointed exclusively in West Bengal. She alleged these officials have overstepped their supervisory roles by becoming approving authorities, rendering electoral registration officers (EROs) and their assistants "helpless, isolated, and reduced to mere spectators."
Banerjee argued this arrangement violates democratic ethos, federalism, and constitutional fundamental rights. Indications suggest Monday's interaction could turn stormy amid the escalating standoff.
(Inputs from IANS)