West Bengal BJP : Seeks Extension for Electoral Objection Deadline Amid Allegations of Disruption
West Bengal BJP: The political atmosphere in West Bengal witnessed renewed tension as the Bharatiya Janata Party raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing electoral revision process. The party formally appealed to the Election Commission of India to extend the deadline for submitting Form 7, citing widespread obstruction, administrative hurdles, and alleged incidents of violence across multiple districts. According to the BJP, the current environment has prevented eligible citizens from exercising their democratic rights effectively, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the voter list revision exercise.
Background of the Form 7 Submission Process
Form 7 plays a crucial role in the electoral system, as it allows voters to raise objections regarding incorrect or ineligible entries in the electoral rolls. The deadline for submission marks the final opportunity for electors to seek deletion of names that they believe do not belong on the voter list. With the last date coinciding with reports of unrest and administrative non-cooperation, the BJP argued that many genuine objections may remain unaddressed if the timeline is not extended.
BJP Delegation Meets Electoral Authorities
A senior delegation from the West Bengal BJP met the Chief Electoral Officer of the state to formally submit their concerns. The leaders highlighted what they described as serious irregularities in the acceptance of Form 7 applications. According to their statement, several election offices were either closed during working hours or officials claimed to be engaged in other administrative duties, effectively preventing submission of forms. In some cases, officials were accused of outright refusal to accept the documents, undermining the Special Intensive Revision process.
Allegations of Political Interference
The BJP also accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of exerting pressure on poll officials to derail the electoral revision exercise. Party leaders claimed that workers affiliated with the ruling party were actively preventing BJP members and supporters from submitting Form 7 in various districts. These allegations have intensified the political confrontation, with the BJP insisting that the process should remain free from political influence to maintain the credibility of upcoming elections.
Reports of Violence Across Districts
Several districts reportedly witnessed clashes and disruptions during the submission process. In Murshidabad, BJP leaders alleged that party workers were attacked and their Form 7 documents forcibly taken and destroyed. Similar incidents were reported in North 24 Parganas, where BJP members claimed their forms were looted at a sub-divisional office. In Hooghly district, allegations emerged that forms were torn in front of police personnel, raising concerns about law enforcement neutrality and administrative accountability.
Response from the Ruling Party
The Trinamool Congress categorically denied all allegations of violence and obstruction. Party representatives stated that the accusations were politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary controversy around the electoral process. According to them, the voter list revision is being conducted strictly as per guidelines, and any delays or issues are administrative rather than political in nature.
BJP’s Stand on Electoral Integrity
The state leadership of the BJP reiterated that the party would not accept any election outcome if even a single eligible voter was excluded due to procedural lapses. The party urged the Election Commission to ensure that district electoral officers function independently and without fear or pressure. BJP leaders emphasized that free and fair elections depend heavily on accurate voter rolls, making the integrity of the revision process non-negotiable.
Data on Claims and Objections
According to official data, the BJP has submitted hundreds of applications seeking exclusion of certain voters and inclusion of a limited number. In contrast, the ruling party has submitted significantly fewer applications, while some opposition parties have either made minimal claims or none at all. Prior to the publication of the draft electoral rolls, the Election Commission received a substantial number of Form 6 applications for inclusion and Form 7 applications for deletion, highlighting the scale and importance of the revision exercise.
Demand for Deadline Extension
In light of these developments, the BJP formally requested that the deadline for submission of claims and objections be extended by at least one week. The party argued that such an extension would allow affected citizens sufficient time to submit their forms without fear or obstruction. The appeal underscores growing concerns about electoral transparency, administrative efficiency, and political neutrality in West Bengal’s democratic processes.