NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission has unilaterally deleted 54 lakh names from the draft electoral rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) in the state by misusing the powers of electoral registration officers (EROs).Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna, Banerjee claimed that a majority of those removed from the rolls were “genuine electors” who were not given an opportunity to defend themselves as they were not informed of the grounds for deletion, reported PTI.“The EC, while sitting in Delhi, used AI tools devised by the BJP to delete names. These AI software accounted for the names mismatch in SIR data. They deleted names of women who changed surnames post marriage,” Banerjee alleged.The Trinamool Congress supremo further claimed that “logical discrepancy” was not part of the original SIR verification process and was “included as an afterthought to add to deletions”. She alleged that the “BJP-EC nexus” was planning to remove another one crore names from the final electoral rolls.Banerjee also accused the poll body of restricting the role of booth level agents during the verification exercise. “The EC has not allowed BLA-2s to attend hearings because the BJP couldn’t amass its workers to do the job,” she said.The chief minister’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the state over the ongoing voter list revision exercise, with the Trinamool Congress repeatedly alleging that the process is being used to target certain sections of voters. The Election Commission has not responded to Banerjee’s allegations so far.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPakistan’s Most Loyal Terror Proxy Against India Shows Signs Of Collapse, LeT Cadres Turn On ISILotus Takes Centre Stage As India Sets Tone For BRICS Presidency At Crucial 20 Year Milestone’Aag Laga Doonga’: Bajrang Dal member faces FIR for threatening to burn police station in UPCanada’s Largest Gold Theft Probe Names Indian Links, Three More Arrested In Auto Scam’May Not Need IMF Loans In 6 Months’: Pakistan Eyes JF-17 Sales Surge To Save EconomyShaksgam Valley Is Indian Territory, 1963 Pak-China Pact Illegal: Army Chief Rejects Beijing’s Claim’We Were Ready To Go In’: Reveals Army Chief Dwivedi, Issues Blunt Warning To Pak On Terror Camps’Op Sindoor Remains On’: Army Chief Dwivedi WARNS Pakistan, Hails Stability In J&K And Manipur‘BRICS Brings Countries Together’: Jaishankar Frames Bloc as Global Welfare Platform Under IndiaIndia Rejects Europe’s Pressure To Cut Russia Ties As Germany Pushes Defence Shift Amid Ukraine War123Photostories5 legendary landmarks in Asia named after animalsMakar Sankranti 2026: How to make traditional Moong Dal Khichdi at homeWhy anxiety disorder in teens is on the riseBeautiful Makar Sankranti saree looks inspired by Bollywood actresses in 2026Bengaluru’s metro lifeline gets a boost: Yellow line to roll out 7th train, shorter waits aheadShark Tank India: From a lavish house worth Rs 50 crores to high-end car collection- Namita Thapar’s lavish lifestyleMakar Sankranti 2026: 10 traditional foods to celebrate the harvest and the sun8 jungle experiences that only Masai Mara offers and how to visit on a budget7 questions to ask your child’s teacher if your child struggles with attentionPreschooler’s backpack should be less than 700 grams, worn 6 inches above waist: Spine endoscopist reveals risk of carrying heavy school bags123Hot PicksShaksgam ValleyDubai AirportGold rate todayBengaluru news10-minute deliveryPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMumbai Indians vs Gujarat GiantsCharlie KirkVanessa Bryant and Natalia Bryant Net WorthBrooks Koepka and Jena Sims Net WorthDrake Maye WifeBill GatesConnor McDavid WifeTariffs on Tehran Trade PartnersBengaluru Dental Student SuicideMLB Trade Rumors
NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission has unilaterally deleted 54 lakh names from the draft electoral rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) in the state by misusing the powers of electoral registration officers (EROs).Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna, Banerjee claimed that a majority of those removed from the rolls were “genuine electors” who were not given an opportunity to defend themselves as they were not informed of the grounds for deletion, reported PTI.“The EC, while sitting in Delhi, used AI tools devised by the BJP to delete names. These AI software accounted for the names mismatch in SIR data. They deleted names of women who changed surnames post marriage,” Banerjee alleged.The Trinamool Congress supremo further claimed that “logical discrepancy” was not part of the original SIR verification process and was “included as an afterthought to add to deletions”. She alleged that the “BJP-EC nexus” was planning to remove another one crore names from the final electoral rolls.Banerjee also accused the poll body of restricting the role of booth level agents during the verification exercise. “The EC has not allowed BLA-2s to attend hearings because the BJP couldn’t amass its workers to do the job,” she said.The chief minister’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the state over the ongoing voter list revision exercise, with the Trinamool Congress repeatedly alleging that the process is being used to target certain sections of voters. The Election Commission has not responded to Banerjee’s allegations so far.
