HomePoliticsTMC’s Derek O’Brien Slams Voter List Verification in Bengal, Calls ECI Drive...

TMC’s Derek O’Brien Slams Voter List Verification in Bengal, Calls ECI Drive a “BJP Branch Office Move”

New Delhi: Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien has sharply criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) over its new voter verification exercise, claiming the process is politically motivated to help the BJP in West Bengal.

Speaking in Delhi on Saturday, O’Brien raised objections to the ECI’s special intensive revision of the electoral roll, which has begun in Bihar and is set to follow in Bengal. Under this drive, voters must submit extensive proof of birth and birthplace, with varying documentation requirements depending on their year of birth.

“The ECI is conducting an exercise called special intensive revision of the electoral roll… If these documents are not submitted within a month, your name will be deleted from the voter list,” O’Brien said, warning that millions of voters could be disenfranchised.

He alleged that the ECI was acting under pressure from the BJP after an internal BJP survey reportedly showed it could secure 46 to 49 seats in the next Bengal Assembly elections.

“TMC has the highest regard for the Election Commission of India as a constitutional body, but the constitutional body should not turn into the branch office of the BJP,” O’Brien asserted. “Why is this exercise being suddenly done right now? In desperation to change or attempt to change things, you do these desperate things,” he added.

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