West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reminded officials of the State government on Monday (July 28, 2025) that they work for the State Government not the Election Commission of India (ECI), and directed them to ensure that not a single name is removed from the voters list.
Speaking at an administrative meeting in Birbhum district, Ms. Banerjee expressed her displeasure that a meeting of BLOs (Booth Level Officers) was conducted by the ECI without keeping her or the Chief Secretary in the loop.
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“Remember, only after an election notification is issued does it [the State machinery] come under the Election Commission. Before that it [State machinery] is under the State Government, and after the election it returns to the control of the State Government. Remember, you work under the State government,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks assume significance since they come as the Election Commission of India is conducting a special intensive revision (SIR) of the voters’ list in Bihar. Accusing the ECI of working at the behest of the BJP, the Trinamool Congress leadership has said that it will not allow any such exercise in West Bengal. Assembly polls in West Bengal are scheduled for 2026.
