Tue Feb 03 15:30:47 UTC 2026: ### Headline: West Bengal BJP Changes Stance, Alleges Electoral Roll Harassment by TMC-Linked Officials

The Story:
The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reversed its previous stance, now admitting to harassment of voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This shift comes after weeks of the BJP dismissing Trinamool Congress (TMC) claims of such harassment as exaggerated. The BJP now accuses a section of poll officials, allegedly in collusion with the ruling TMC and I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee), of deliberately creating errors and issuing notices to harass voters.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP MLAs submitted a memorandum to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on February 2, 2026, demanding disciplinary action against the accused poll officials. This development coincides with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to Delhi where she is reportedly intensifying her criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Key Points:

  • The West Bengal BJP now acknowledges voter harassment during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, reversing its earlier position.
  • The BJP accuses some poll officials, allied with the Trinamool Congress and I-PAC, of intentionally making errors to harass voters.
  • A memorandum was submitted to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose by Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP MLAs on February 2, 2026, seeking action against the accused officials.
  • The BJP alleges that contractual employees were appointed for the SIR scrutiny process against ECI guidelines, and that the state government failed to appoint sufficient data entry operators, unlike in Bihar’s SIR process.
  • The BJP also claims that TMC leaders and members disrupted SIR hearing centres with political speeches.
  • During the first phase of the SIR, 58 lakh names were removed from the electoral roll, reducing the total number of electors to 7.08 crore.
  • Prior to this admission, BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya repeatedly targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding a spot inspection.

Critical Analysis:
The provided context includes news about CBSE admit cards, SSC MTS exam admit cards, and ED raids related to smuggling in Bengal and Delhi. None of these appear to directly influence the political events unfolding in West Bengal regarding electoral roll revisions. Thus, no critical analysis applicable.

Key Takeaways:

  • The reversal of the BJP’s stance indicates growing pressure and possibly substantiated evidence regarding irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.
  • The timing of the BJP’s admission and memorandum submission, coinciding with Mamata Banerjee’s visit to Delhi and criticism of the ECI, suggests a coordinated strategy to challenge the electoral process.
  • The accusations of collusion between poll officials, the TMC, and I-PAC raise serious questions about the impartiality of the electoral machinery in West Bengal.
  • The removal of a significant number of names (58 lakh) from the electoral roll is likely to escalate tensions and further polarize the political landscape.

Impact Analysis:
The allegations and the BJP’s changed position could have significant consequences for upcoming elections in West Bengal. A possible impact is:
* Potential for Increased Scrutiny of Electoral Processes: The ECI may face increased pressure to investigate the allegations and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. This could lead to stricter oversight and monitoring of future elections in the state.
* Legal Challenges and Recriminations: The BJP’s memorandum and accusations could pave the way for legal challenges to the electoral roll revision process. If irregularities are proven, it could lead to the suspension or cancellation of the SIR process and a fresh revision.
* Impact on Voter Confidence: The controversy surrounding the electoral roll revision is likely to erode voter confidence in the electoral system, potentially leading to decreased voter turnout or increased political apathy.
* Escalation of Political Tensions: The already strained relationship between the BJP and TMC is likely to worsen as a result of the controversy, potentially leading to increased political violence and instability in the state.

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