West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission (EC) of India over the supplementary voter list, alleging large-scale irregularities and claiming that citizens’ voting rights were being undermined ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026.
Speaking to media at the Kolkata airport before departing for Andal in West Burdwan, Mamata expressed dissatisfaction with the Commission’s handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. She alleged that the lists had not been properly published and that there was no clarity on whose names had been included or excluded.
“They have excluded names, and the list has still not been properly released. This is nothing short of an assault on democracy,” Mamata said, adding that more than half the names had allegedly been “selectively removed.” She challenged authorities to make the lists public, stating that people had a right to know whether their names were on the rolls.
Taking her criticism further, the Chief Minister accused the system of turning into a “vanishing machine” that was erasing citizens’ rights, and alleged that large numbers of voters had been disenfranchised. She also targeted the BJP-led central government, questioning its role and warning that people would respond through the ballot.
Mamata’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the run-up to the elections, with opposition parties raising concerns over the integrity of electoral rolls and the conduct of polls.
Separately, the Chief Minister also addressed concerns over fuel supply in the state in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. She stressed that cooking gas produced within West Bengal should not be diverted outside the state if it affects local availability.
Mamata said that with the arrival of a large number of Central forces and officials for election duty, there could be increased demand for LPG. She cautioned that any disruption in supply for residents would be unacceptable and called for safeguards to ensure adequate availability.
The Centre has, however, maintained that there is no shortage of fuel or LPG in the country and has assured that adequate stocks are available despite global uncertainties. Nonetheless, Banerjee said the state would remain vigilant to protect the interests of its citizens.
Also read: 'Technical glitch or mischief?': Mamata targets BJP, EC
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