Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn during a Supreme Court hearing on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally argued her case, alleging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is deliberately targeting the state ahead of elections.
Mamata Banerjee Appears in Court as Advocate
Mamata Banerjee, who holds an LLB degree from Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, appeared before a bench of CJI Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M Pancholi to present her arguments in petitions filed by herself, MPs Derek O’Brien and Dola Sen, and others.
“Why Only Bengal?” CM Questions ECI
In her plea, Mamata questioned why SIR exercises were not being carried out in Assam or the Northeast, alleging bias against Bengal. She claimed that during harvest season, farmers are being harassed with notices, disrupting rural life.
Calls ECI the ‘WhatsApp Commission’
In a scathing attack, Mamata referred to the Election Commission as the “WhatsApp Commission”, implying that arbitrary decisions are being made and executed digitally without transparency or fairness.
Accuses SIR Process of Voter Deletion, Not Correction
According to Mamata, the real intent behind SIR is “to delete votes, not correct them”, warning that the rushed timeline of two months for a two-year job indicates malicious political intent. She also raised concerns about BLOs (Booth Level Officers) committing suicide under work pressure and people being asked for extra certificates alongside Aadhaar, unlike in other states.
Supreme Court Responds, Seeks ECI Stand
The court listened to Mamata’s emotional and strongly worded arguments, but advised that such matters be represented by senior advocates. Justices referred to Kapil Sibal and Shyam Divan as possible representatives for further proceedings.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission asking for a formal response. The next hearing is scheduled for February 9.
