TMC Accuses Election Commission of Negligence in SIR-related Deaths

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged before the Election Commission (EC) that 40 deaths related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) had occurred in West Bengal. The EC dismissed the accusations as misinformation. TMC leaders accused the Chief Election Commissioner of misleading claims and urged for evidence release, challenging the poll body’s assertions.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation has accused the Election Commission (EC) of overlooking 40 deaths allegedly linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal. During a meeting on Friday, TMC representatives claimed the Chief Election Commissioner has 'blood on his hands,' a charge EC officials have refuted as baseless.

The meeting, led by TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien, was marked by heated exchanges, with the TMC challenging the EC's responses and accusing them of selective leaks. The delegation voiced concerns over interference in the independence of booth-level officers and demanded clarity and transparency from the election authority.

The TMC provided a list of alleged SIR-related deaths and questioned the integrity of the electoral roll revision process, particularly in comparison to other states. The EC urged not to pressurize BLOs while addressing the TMC's objections, promising to revisit post-December 9. Meanwhile, TMC leaders criticized the EC's failure to counter inflammatory claims by rival BJP leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)