Mamata Banerjee Warns Against Rushing Special Intensive Revision by Election Commission
Kolkata, Sep 9: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has firmly stated that the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) proposed special intensive revision (SIR) can’t be rushed through in just a few months. She believes it needs much more time to get it right.
Speaking to reporters at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport before heading to north Bengal for administrative events, Banerjee explained, "This special intensive revision will take at least three to four years to finish properly. The ECI seems to be pushing to wrap it up in just three to four months, but that’s not possible."
Banerjee praised a recent Supreme Court decision that allows Aadhaar cards as valid proof of identity for the SIR process in Bihar, which is gearing up for elections this year. "Aadhaar is now a reliable ID for everyone," she said. "People without it should get one soon. I also feel EPIC cards—voter ID cards—should count as proof in this revision."
On a different note, Banerjee stayed silent on the ongoing political violence and tensions in neighboring Nepal, despite repeated questions from the media. "I love Nepal, our close neighbor," she replied. "But I won’t comment on what’s happening there right now. I’ll only speak if the Indian government says something first."
She pointed out that she followed the same approach during last year’s political crisis in Bangladesh, waiting for the Union government’s stance before commenting. "The central government hasn’t made any statement on Nepal yet," Banerjee added.
This comes amid ongoing discussions about voter list revisions across India, with the special intensive revision sparking debates on timing and identity proofs like Aadhaar and EPIC cards. Stay tuned for updates on West Bengal politics and ECI plans.
