TMC Challenges EC: Calls for Transparency Amid SIR-Related Deaths

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) challenged the Election Commission (EC) to release the transcript of their meeting, alleging SIR exercise-related deaths in West Bengal. They criticized the lack of EC responses and demanded a parliamentary session discussion. TMC also highlighted potential bias in removing voters during the ongoing SIR process.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has issued a challenge to the Election Commission (EC) of India, pressing for the release of a transcript from a recent meeting between a TMC delegation and the EC's top officials. The demand follows allegations of several deaths during West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

During a press conference, TMC representatives, including notable MPs Derek O'Brien, Saket Gokhale, Pratima Mondal, and Sajda Ahmed, voiced their concerns over the EC's silence on key questions. They called for a parliamentary discussion on the EC's functioning, criticizing the commission for allegedly spreading misinformation and overlooking 40 SIR-related deaths.

The TMC further accused the EC of bias in the SIR process, questioning the rationale behind not conducting the exercise in northeastern states. They expressed concern about alleged pressure on booth level officers and voter list reliability changes, while demanding transparency from the EC amid claims of political influence from BJP leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)