Figures jugglery in Bengal SIR: Call for Action

The Election Commission has made the SIR process in West Bengal look ridiculous. Specifically, their figures change dramatically within 48 hours. Significantly, we noticed the number of booths with zero ineligible voters drop from 2,208 to 480 in just 24 hours in Bengal SIR. By the next evening, the number fell again, this time to only 29. Hence, who knows what we will hear tomorrow? As a result, their delayed reaction has shocked people. The Booth Level Officers are primarily responsible for the entire exercise. Anyone can question whether this is an ongoing panorama of jokes.

The moment the figure 2,208 appeared in the media, indeed, the chaos broke out everywhere. Political parties and common people reacted instantly. Thus, no one could remain calm. Because of this uproar, the Election Commission urgently contacted the Booth Level Officers. Subsequently, action started immediately in Bengal SIR. They introduced a system for rapid corrections in their apps. So, the number began to fall dramatically. However, we must not forget who is doing this work; the same BLOs. The same ERO, the same ARO, the same VDO, and the same DM. In short, the administrative hierarchy has not changed. The same infrastructure still exists today.

Bengal SIR is not a cakewalk

Nevertheless, it seems the Election Commission in Delhi misunderstood West Bengal and mixed it up with other states. They probably assumed that conducting SIR in West Bengal would be the same as conducting SIR in Bihar. Furthermore, the Election Commission of India failed to understand that the political ecosystem here operates very differently.

Indeed, they could not imagine that the government, the administration, and the ruling party are all involved in a strange network of give-and-take.

Moreover, we have already heard complaints that Booth Level Officers are being threatened from multiple directions. And the Chief Minister has repeatedly reminded BLOs that they are employees of the state government. She also said the Election Commission will leave tomorrow, but BLOs will remain here. In other words, the precise warning was clear, follow the government’s instructions without question, or face consequences. We have seen this kind of vindictive behavior from her before.

As a result, the Booth Level Officers are now in real trouble. If they ignore the ruling party, they may lose peace at home and put their families at risk. On the other hand, the Election Commission is also threatening disciplinary action. So BLOs are trying to balance themselves on two boats at the same time, just to survive.

Mockery of Election Commission

Consequently, let us come back to reality again. Besides, such dramatic changes in numbers raise a serious question. Are they trying to fool the public? Are they deliberately removing only 2 to 4 names from each booth just to defend the system and avoid controversy?

There are also many places where the number of ineligible voters is shown as only 1, or 2, or 3–4.  But, our practical experience tells us this is impossible. Even if we ignore the cases of dead or migrated voters, is it believable that in 23 years not a single woman got married and shifted to her husband’s home or elsewhere? But in this unfortunate West Bengal of ours, anything is possible.

Finally, we want the much-publicized Special Intensive Revision to remain free from the corrupt atmosphere of Bengal. So far, we have learned that nearly 50 lakh voters have been excluded. The SIR timeline has also been extended.

What’s more is the Election Commission has announced that it will use Artificial Intelligence for cross-checking. Although, a few days ago, Suvendu Adhikari went to the CEO’s office and complained that I-PAC is handling the data entry. In Addition, we are really worried how the booth level officers can commit such Himalayan blunders.

Ultimately, it is the Commission’s responsibility to verify the truth. The methods and modes are also at their discretion.

Finally, we want only one thing, a precise and transparent voter list, nothing else.