The lack of preparation in implementing the SIR (Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls) process is causing numerous problems and unnecessarily harassing ordinary citizens. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday, raising this complaint. Not only that, she also questioned the commission’s working methods. Is the ruling Trinamool Congress now directly pursuing legal action? Mamata Banerjee hinted at the same from Gangasagar on Monday.
CM Mamata said, “We are taking legal help. The court will open tomorrow. We will go the legal route. If necessary, I will also plead the case on behalf of the people in the Supreme Court if required.”
The harassment of people over the SIR process is unending, alleges Trinamool Congress. The ruling party alleges that several people have died due to the panic caused by this process. It is even alleged that some people have died while standing in line for SIR-related hearings. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly spoken out on this issue. She has strongly criticised the Election Commission for the harassment of the people. She has also slammed the commission, alleging that it is being run through WhatsApp. Mamata Banerjee once again spoke out on this issue from Gangasagar on Monday. She simultaneously attacked the Election Commission and the ruling BJP at the Centre. The Chief Minister also mocked CEC Gyanesh Kumar, calling him “Vanishing Kumar.”
What did Mamata Banerjee say?
The Chief Minister said, “Common people are being harassed in the name of hearings. 54 lakh names have been removed. They had the right to fill out Forms 7 and 8.” But Mamata Banerjee alleged that names are being removed using artificial intelligence. Not only that, she also slammed the Election Commission, alleging that it is being run through WhatsApp. The Chief Minister said, “The commission is running on WhatsApp. Who knows if they bought it on WhatsApp? People’s rights are being snatched away. And if that happens, then you too will vanish.”
While speaking on this issue, Mamata Banerjee stated that they are resorting to legal action. He said, “We are also seeking legal recourse. The court will open tomorrow. We will fight against the deaths of so many people and the way people are being harassed. If necessary, I myself will seek permission. I will plead before the Supreme Court on behalf of the people.” However, she further said that she wishes to speak as an ordinary citizen, not as a lawyer. The CM said that she will seek permission from the court and present before it what is happening at the ‘ground level’.
Mamata Banerjee writes to CEC Gyanesh Kumar calling SIR a “reign of undemocratic chaos”
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has written a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, describing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as a “reign of undemocratic chaos.” The Chief Minister demanded an immediate halt to the process, alleging it has become a “farce” that threatens to disenfranchise millions of legitimate voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
In her communication dated January 3, 2026, Banerjee accused the Election Commission (EC) of creating an atmosphere of fear. She claimed that voters are being summoned for hearings without being informed of the specific reasons, leading to widespread anxiety and harassment.
“Citizens are being called for hearings without knowing why, causing unnecessary panic. No clear guidelines are being provided regarding required documentation, and many are not even receiving receipts for the documents they do submit,” the Chief Minister stated.
She further alleged that the process is being handled with a total lack of preparation, citing instances where elderly and ill citizens were forced to travel up to 25 kilometers to attend centralized hearings.
A major point of contention raised by the CM is the alleged disparity in how the SIR is being conducted in West Bengal compared to other states like Bihar. Banerjee pointed out that while Bihar accepted family registers as valid identity proof, the same is reportedly being denied in Bengal.