Mamata Banerjee Raises Concerns Over Election Commission Decisions

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed significant concerns regarding the operations of the Election Commission of India in a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Dated 24 November 2025, the correspondence highlights two pressing issues that she believes warrant immediate attention and intervention.

Concerns Over Outsourcing Data Work
In her letter, Banerjee pointed to a recent directive from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, which instructed District Election Officers (DEOs) not to engage contractual data entry operators or staff from Bangla Sahayata Kendra for election-related data work. Instead, the CEO’s office has issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) to hire 1,000 data entry operators and 50 software developers for a one-year period.

Banerjee questioned the rationale behind outsourcing this work, stating that district offices already employ a significant number of qualified professionals who are capable of fulfilling these roles. She noted, "Traditionally, field offices have always hired their own contractual data entry personnel as per requirement. If there is an urgent need, DEOs are fully empowered to undertake such hiring themselves."

The Chief Minister expressed her apprehension regarding the timing and nature of this RfP, suggesting that it may be influenced by political pressures. She asked, "Why is the CEO's office assuming this role on behalf of field offices? Is this initiative being driven by a political party to serve vested interests?"

Proposal for Polling Stations in Private Complexes
In addition to her concerns about data outsourcing, Banerjee vehemently opposed a proposal that would permit polling stations to be established within private residential complexes. She described this idea as "deeply problematic," arguing that polling booths should be situated in government or semi-government institutions to maintain accessibility and impartiality.

Banerjee warned that locating polling stations in private properties could undermine the fairness of the electoral process, creating unfair distinctions between affluent residents and the general public. She stated, "Private premises compromise fairness, violate established norms, and create discriminatory distinctions between privileged residents and the general public—the haves and have-nots."

She reiterated her demand for clarity regarding the motivations behind this proposal, questioning whether it was influenced by political considerations. "Is this being done under pressure from a political party to advance their partisan interests? Why? Why? Why?"

Call for Serious Examination
In her concluding remarks, Banerjee urged the Chief Election Commissioner to investigate these matters with the utmost seriousness, impartiality, and transparency. She emphasised the importance of maintaining the dignity, neutrality, and credibility of the Election Commission, stating that these principles must not be compromised under any circumstances.

As the Trinamool Congress party prepares to address the issue of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, Banerjee's letter highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding electoral integrity in West Bengal. The party is also expected to send a delegation to the Election Commission in New Delhi regarding the matter, according to sources close to the party.