Balurghat, West Bengal erupted in political discourse on Monday as Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar issued a stern warning to election officials amid the suspension of seven Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). The Election Commission of India (ECI) took decisive action against these officials deployed for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Majumdar highlighted the ECI’s order targeting AEROs from blocks including Ghatal, Samsherganj, and Sutia. ‘These officers attempted to add ineligible voters to the rolls in violation of rules and without valid reasons,’ he stated emphatically. He emphasized how technology, including AI, has revolutionized the detection of irregularities, making it easier to scrutinize records.
‘This is the era of technology. AI can verify everything,’ Majumdar asserted, urging officials to remain impartial. His warning was direct: ‘If you work for Trinamool Congress, the Election Commission will act. No one can save your job.’ He stressed the importance of neutrality to strengthen democracy.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the suspensions at Kolkata’s airport before departing for Delhi. ‘This is the first time the ECI has flexed its muscles directly in the SIR process, bypassing the chief secretary,’ Adhikari noted. He accused the officers of accepting fake school certificates and PAN cards, flouting 13 ECI guidelines.
Adhikari pointed fingers at the Mamata Banerjee government, alleging instructions came from state secretary Nandini Chakraborty, who he claimed operates a racket under the Chief Minister’s oversight. The developments signal a tightening grip by the ECI on Bengal’s electoral integrity ahead of future polls, with potential FIRs on the horizon if violations persist.
As political tensions simmer, officials face mounting pressure to uphold transparency. Majumdar’s appeal resonates: adhere to democratic principles or face consequences. This episode underscores the ECI’s commitment to fair elections in a politically charged state.