ECI vs Mamata: Battle Over SIR Now in Court

Jan 24, 2026 - By Ashutosh Roy Current AffairsPolitics

Key Highlights

1. The ECI vs Mamata battle takes a new turn as Election Commission of India moves to the Supreme Court
2. ECI has alleged about spreading fear and making provocative remarks
3. ECI has also ordered the state to initiate FIR against Farakka MLA Manirul Islam for vandalization of BDO Office
4. The Special Intensive Process (SIR) may not be completed within schedule date
5. The delay of Final Voter List may lead to constitutional crisis in West Bengal

ECI vs Mamata: How the SIR Conflict Escalated?

The clash between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Mamata Banerjee  took a new turn on January 20. Rather, the ECI vs Mamata battle finds itself in a new dimension.

After showing patience for a long time, the ECI directly submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court. As a result, many are asking a sharp question: Was this a delayed awakening?

This episode once again proves a common criticism, that the ECI roars more than it acts. However, suddenly, it seems the Commission felt that enough was enough. Therefore, it decided that the time for action had finally arrived.

Why the ECI Went to the Supreme Court?

Meanwhile, one important point must be remembered. On January 19, the Supreme Court had already issued specific guidelines to both the Election Commission of India and the state government regarding the SIR issue.

Regarding the SIR issue, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has accused Mamata Banerjee of spreading fear and making provocative remarks during a press conference held on January 14, 2026.

In fact, in its affidavit, the ECI mentioned Mamata Banerjee’s name four times and raised specific allegations against her. This is just for information that even Mamata Banerjee had filed a suit against the ECI earlier.

According to the Election Commission, her comments created panic among voters. As a result, this fear allegedly led to threats against micro-observers and election officials.

SIR Confusion and Public Suffering on the Ground

We are regularly witnessing incidents of video office vandalism. Along with this, unnecessary chaos and violence have spread in many areas.

In reality, when nearly 5.8 million people were called for verification due to so-called logical discrepancies, widespread confusion followed. Moreover, due to the Election Commission’s lapses and frequent, inconsistent decisions, countless people faced serious harassment.

I personally went for this verification process. Therefore, I could feel people’s suffering firsthand. Seeing mothers standing in long queues with infants in their arms is by no means a pleasant experience.

To be honest, even now, I do not understand why we were called for the verification process at all.

The authorities already have the 2002 voter list. Earlier, birth certificates were submitted to the BLOs. Even after that, it remains unclear what exactly was verified.

Police Inaction and Questions on Rule of Law

There can certainly be legitimate protests against this confusion. However, the way the Trinamool Congress has been vandalising video offices and destroying public property cannot be justified. Meanwhile, the police have remained silent spectators, as usual.

In one such incident, Farakka MLA Monirul Islam openly led the mob, yet the police did not arrest him. Even those who were arrested that day were later released. Shockingly, the Trinamool Congress welcomed them with garlands.

Finally, the Election Commission directed that an FIR be filed against Monirul Islam.

However, this is not an isolated case. Anyone watching Bengal TV channels or YouTube can see similar scenes everywhere. These videos are going viral on social media.

Even after the Supreme Court’s clear observations, there seems to be no trace of the rule of law. In this situation, the Chief Minister’s inflammatory statements only add fuel to the fire, a fact that hardly needs further explanation.

Did ECI vs Mamata start even before the SIR?

From before the start of the SIR, the Trinamool Congress launched protests. Initially, Mamata Banerjee said she would not allow SIR in the state. This fight started at least 2 months before the actual SIR took places. Abhishek Banerjee claimed, he would surround the Election Commission Office in Delhi with 10 lakhs people.

However, after the process began, Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, and other top Trinamool leaders delivered increasingly aggressive speeches.

Gradually, they tried to obstruct the process in multiple ways. Almost every day came new threats. Abhishek even assembled people in the stage, who fell under the exclusion list.

Except for one thing, when the TMC BLAs could manage the BLOs  to add or delete names in the voter list on their own terms. Otherwise, the attacks continued relentlessly. Meanwhile, Trinamool leaders surrounded the CEO office in Kolkata.

In response, the Election Commission appointed special observers and micro-observers for the state. However, when the Commission asked for 1,000 data entry operators, the state government refused to provide them. As a result, conflict existed from the very beginning.

Legal experts know this well. The Election Commission of India is not like the ED or the CBI. Under Article 324, the ECI enjoys strong constitutional authority and independence.

Therefore, a serious question arises: Can a state be governed by turning every institution into an enemy?

Is ECI vs Mamata fight Heading Toward a Constitutional Crisis?

Now it appears that the SIR process in West Bengal may not finish on time. As a result, The ECI  may fail to publish the final voter list on February 14.

If delays continue because of ongoing disorder and disruption, the situation will become even more complicated.

It is unclear whether Mamata Banerjee or the Trinamool Congress is indirectly seeking President’s Rule. In such a scenario, they may try to play the victim card. However, they are unlikely to receive active support from the police or administration.

After all, who understands this reality better than Mamata Banerjee herself?

Immediate Danger for Mamata Banerjee

Let us try to understand the challenges Mamata is now facing

1. ECI has moved to Supreme Court on ECI vs Mamata Issue
2. ED has moved to the Supreme Court against Mamata Banerjee
3. Indian Army has complained to the Governor against Mamata’s provocation
4. Nousad Siddiki and Humayun Kabir have become a threat of Muslim Vote Bank
5. Asha Karmi Agitation may tilt her Women Vote Bank