Archive · 2 Jan 2026
West Bengal: Election Commission and TMC Clash
In West Bengal, the Trinamul Congress (TMC) and the Election Commission of India (ECI) are having a big disagreement.
The TMC says the ECI is being unfair and trying to remove voters' names, especially in areas where TMC candidates are strong.
The ECI is trying to make sure everyone can vote, even people who don't have old documents.
They are setting up special camps to help sex workers and other marginalized groups.
The TMC also doesn't like the idea of setting up polling booths in private housing complexes, but the ECI says it's necessary.
The TMC is very upset and says they will protest, even if it means going to jail.
The ECI, on the other hand, is sticking to its plans and says it won't back down.
TMC alleges a conspiracy by the ECI to delete voters' names, claiming it's unfair and unconstitutional.
ECI issues directives to include marginalized groups, such as sex workers, in the voter list, ensuring no eligible voter is left out.
TMC objects to the appointment of additional observers by the ECI, viewing it as a lack of confidence in state officers.
ECI plans to set up polling booths within housing complexes, despite objections from the TMC.
TMC warns of intensified protests against the ECI's methods and is prepared to face legal consequences.
- Who
- Trinamul Congress (TMC), Election Commission of India (ECI), Kalyan Banerjee, Gyanesh Bharti
- What
- Clash over election procedures, voter address shifts, and polling booth locations in West Bengal
- When
- Ongoing, with key events in December 2025
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To ensure fair and accurate election processes, with TMC alleging bias and ECI defending its methods
Trinamul Congress (TMC)
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Voter Address Shifts and Hearings
Trinamul Congress (TMC)
Alleges a conspiracy to delete voters' names and claims the ECI's methods are unconstitutional and humiliating to state officers.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Encourages voters to update their addresses and has issued directives to include marginalized groups, ensuring no eligible voter is left out.
Appointment of Observers
Trinamul Congress (TMC)
Objects to the appointment of additional macro and micro observers, viewing it as a lack of confidence in state officers.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Defends the appointment of observers as necessary due to the perceived incompetence of local officials.
Polling Booths in Housing Complexes
Trinamul Congress (TMC)
Raises strong reservations against setting up polling booths in private high-rises and residential group housing societies.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Insists on setting up polling booths within housing complexes to ensure fair and accessible voting.
- TMC Coordinator for Serampore and Champdany
- Subir Mukherjee
- TMC Mentor for Serampore
- Shikha Karmadhyaksha
- TMC Organisational Matters Handler
- Kalyan Banerjee (for Adisaptagram and Chinsurah)
- ECI Directive Date for Marginalised Groups
- 31 December 2025
- ECI Deadline for Housing Complex Identification
- 31 December 2025
- TMC Foundation Day
- Wednesday (date not specified)
- ECI Meeting Date
- 30 December 2025
Sources
SIR Bengal 2.0: Which OBC certificates will be allowed during hearings and why
Preview 2026: Five critical elections and one common thread — Opposition fury over SIR, MGNREGA
Vote where you live, EC message to residents - Telegraph India
Pay loss, travel woes to reach SIR hearings; migrants forced to leave to ensure electoral enrollment
Fragile and weak, but no option left: Senior people forced to year-end SIR camps - Telegraph India
West Bengal 'SIR': Political Parties Submit 8 Claims And Objections 'For Inclusion' Of Eligible Voters
Serampore MP urges party unity ahead of 2026 polls
ECI’s own team to identify housing complexes for setting up booths
ECI issues directive to ease voter enrolment for sex workers, marginalised groups during SIR
