Election Commission – Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Supreme Court Norms Ignored in Voter Roll Update
Election Commission – Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday accused the Election Commission of India of failing to follow the Supreme Court’s guidance while carrying out the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Banerjee questioned the methods being adopted by the poll panel, claiming that official instructions were being circulated through informal digital channels instead of established administrative procedures.
Allegations Over Communication Practices
Banerjee asserted that directions related to the revision exercise were being shared with field officers through WhatsApp groups rather than through documented and traceable communication systems. He argued that such practices undermine transparency and accountability, principles that the Supreme Court has repeatedly stressed in matters involving electoral processes.
According to the Trinamool Congress leader, the country’s highest court has emphasized due process and formal communication mechanisms. He asked whether these standards were being properly upheld during the current revision drive in the state.
The Election Commission has not immediately issued a public response to the allegations.
Claims Regarding Role of Special Roll Observer
Banerjee further alleged that specific instructions concerning the acceptance of birth certificates as valid documents were being issued by Special Roll Observer C Murugan. He claimed these directions were shared directly with micro observers through a WhatsApp group.
The MP suggested that the alleged move was intended to influence the number of deletions in the voter list. He raised concerns that the role of micro observers, which the Supreme Court has described as assistive in nature, was being expanded beyond its prescribed limits.
Banerjee questioned whether statutory procedures were being bypassed and sought clarity on who authorised such directions.
Screenshots Shared on Social Media
In support of his claims, Banerjee posted what he described as screenshots of WhatsApp messages. The images purportedly showed discussions among officials regarding document verification and related instructions.
He also alleged misuse of login credentials in the voter roll management system. According to him, certain queries were being generated to target a particular community, and he claimed that technical data such as tower location and IP address could indicate discrepancies in device usage. These assertions, however, have not been independently verified.
Warning of Legal Action
Banerjee stated that the Election Commission’s authority rests on public trust and adherence to constitutional principles. He indicated that the matter could be taken to the Supreme Court if concerns are not addressed satisfactorily.
The Trinamool Congress leader also warned that individuals found acting outside established legal boundaries could face legal consequences. His remarks reflected a firm stance as political tensions rise ahead of upcoming electoral processes in the state.
Party Delegation Meets Chief Electoral Officer
Earlier in the day, a five-member delegation of the All India Trinamool Congress visited the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal to formally present their concerns.
The delegation included TMC MP Mahua Moitra, West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, party leader Pratima Mondal, MP Partha Bhowmick, and West Bengal Higher Education Minister Bratya Basu. According to party sources, the group sought clarification on procedures being followed during the Special Intensive Revision and requested assurances regarding transparency.
The Election Commission conducts periodic revisions of electoral rolls to update voter data and remove ineligible entries. The Special Intensive Revision is aimed at ensuring accuracy ahead of future elections. As the controversy unfolds, further responses from the poll panel and possible legal developments are expected in the coming days.