Tue Jan 13 23:20:00 UTC 2026: # BJP Threatens to Disrupt West Bengal Elections Over Electoral Roll Revision

The Story:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal is threatening to disrupt the upcoming Assembly elections if the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is not conducted to their satisfaction. BJP President Samik Bhattacharya accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of obstructing the SIR process. He alleged that Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant EROs (AEROs) are refusing to accept objection forms (Form 7) submitted by BJP workers, who have been meticulously scrutinizing voter lists at the booth level.

Key Points:

  • Samik Bhattacharya, BJP President of West Bengal, stated that the BJP would not allow Assembly elections if the SIR of electoral rolls isn’t properly executed.
  • BJP workers claim EROs and AEROs are rejecting Form 7 objection forms submitted by the party.
  • The BJP has held protests across the state due to officials refusing to accept objection forms.
  • Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress have opposed the SIR, with Banerjee writing multiple letters to the Chief Election Commissioner (Gyanesh Kumar) raising concerns.
  • Around 58 lakh names were reportedly deleted in the first phase of SIR, and the ECI is reviewing approximately 1.26 crore logical discrepancies in the second phase.

Critical Analysis:
The related context highlights a tit-for-tat dynamic, with the Trinamool Congress actively working to undermine the SIR process and the BJP responding with the threat of election disruption. The reference to Abhishek Banerjee presenting “dead voters” suggests a TMC effort to discredit the SIR, framing it as a politically motivated exercise. This tit for tat suggests a deep distrust between the two parties regarding the fairness of the electoral process.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BJP is highly invested in the accuracy of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, viewing the SIR as crucial.
  • The Trinamool Congress sees the SIR as a potential threat to their electoral prospects, actively opposing it.
  • The dispute over the SIR could escalate and potentially lead to significant disruptions in the election process.
  • The Election Commission’s role is under intense scrutiny, needing to demonstrate impartiality and ensure a fair process to maintain the legitimacy of the election.

Impact Analysis:
The ongoing dispute over electoral roll revisions has the potential to destabilize the political landscape in West Bengal. If the BJP follows through with its threat to disrupt elections, it could trigger violence and further erode public trust in the democratic process. This event could also lead to increased scrutiny of the Election Commission of India and potentially spark legal challenges related to the electoral process. This could also affect the overall view of the ECI if the process is not perceived as fair.

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