Electoral Roll Revisions in West Bengal Marred by Protests and Security Concerns
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Amidst preparations for upcoming elections, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has been met with disruption and escalating tensions. Hearings were suspended in multiple districts on Monday, July 29, 2025, following a decision by the Election Commission (EC) to bar booth-level agents (BLAs) from observing the proceedings, and an incident involving an attack on an EC observer’s vehicle.
Disruption of Hearings Across Bengal
The initial unrest unfolded in Chinsurah and Midnapore, where local protests halted the revision process. Simultaneously, a more serious security breach occurred in Mograhat, South 24 Parganas, where an EC observer’s vehicle was targeted. According to reports, protesters damaged the handle lock of a door on the vehicle during a field visit. The EC has since requested a comprehensive report on the incident from the observer.
Observer Faces Protests, Reaffirms Commitment
C Murugan, the special roll observer responsible for overseeing the SIR in South 24 Parganas and Kolkata South Lok Sabha constituencies, encountered direct opposition during his visit to Mograhat. Despite the protests and damage to his vehicle, Murugan remained resolute in his duty. “I came to do my job and I will do it. What do I have to fear? I am an IAS officer. I have come here on Election Commission’s instructions. It is the administration’s responsibility to provide me with security,” he stated.
Political Opposition to BLA Exclusion
The core of the unrest stems from the EC’s decision to exclude BLAs from the SIR hearings. In Hooghly’s Chinsurah-Mogra block, hearings were temporarily suspended after TMC MLA Asit Mazumdar voiced strong objections to the exclusion. “Unless BLAs are allowed or officials give in writing that they will not be allowed, we will not allow the hearings,” Mazumdar told reporters, leading to the closure of the block office gates and preventing access for those seeking to participate in the revision process.
Administrative Intervention Restores Order
Following intervention from the Election Commission, the District Magistrate (DM) arrived at the Chinsurah-Mogra block office and successfully ensured the resumption of hearings. The situation highlights the sensitivity surrounding the electoral roll revision process and the challenges faced by the EC in maintaining order and transparency.
The disruptions underscore the importance of addressing concerns raised by political stakeholders and ensuring adequate security for election officials as the country prepares for upcoming polls.