Mamata Banerjee Slams ECI’s SIR Drive: ‘AI Errors Forcing Voters to Re-Establish Identity’

In a move that has reignited a fierce political battle over electoral integrity, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again taken on the Election Commission of India (ECI). Her latest salvo? A pointed letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, where she doesn’t just raise concerns—she sounds a full-blown alarm about what she calls a systemic failure in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process .

At the heart of her complaint is a chilling accusation: that due to flawed data and faulty AI algorithms, thousands of legitimate citizens are being forced to essentially re-prove their own existence just to retain their right to vote. This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape; it’s a potential threat to the very foundation of democracy. So, what exactly are these SIR flaws, and why is Mamata Banerjee so alarmed?

What’s the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Process?
SIR flaws and AI Errors: Mamata Banerjee’s Core Allegations
The Human Cost: ‘Forced to Re-Establish Identity’
A Pattern of Protest: Mamata’s Fifth Letter
ECI Response and the Road Ahead
Conclusion: A Test for Indian Democracy
Sources

What’s the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Process?

The SIR is a targeted door-to-door enumeration drive conducted by the ECI in specific areas identified as having high rates of electoral roll discrepancies. The goal is noble: to clean up the voter lists, remove duplicate or ineligible entries, and ensure every eligible citizen is registered. It’s a crucial exercise for maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process, especially ahead of major elections.

However, the execution of this process, particularly its reliance on new technology, has become a major point of contention in West Bengal.

SIR flaws and AI Errors: Mamata Banerjee’s Core Allegations

In her latest communication, which marks her fifth letter on the subject, Banerjee has laid out a series of serious charges against the current SIR implementation . Her primary concern revolves around the heavy dependence on an AI-driven digitisation system that, she claims, is riddled with errors.

According to the Chief Minister, the process has become “largely mechanical, driven purely by technical data” and is now “completely devoid of the human element” that is essential for such a sensitive task . This over-reliance on automation has led to gross inaccuracies. She alleges that the system is flagging genuine voters for deletion based on minor data mismatches or algorithmic glitches, effectively treating them as non-existent entities .

She has gone so far as to label the entire exercise a “huge scam,” suggesting it is being manipulated for political gain, specifically to favour the BJP in the state .

The Human Cost: ‘Forced to Re-Establish Identity’

The most disturbing consequence of these alleged SIR flaws is the burden it places on ordinary citizens. As Mamata Banerjee starkly put it, people are being “forced to re-establish their identity” . Imagine being a senior citizen who has voted in the same booth for decades, only to receive a notice that your name is slated for deletion from the rolls. To keep your voting rights, you must now navigate a complex bureaucratic process, often requiring multiple documents and visits to election offices.

This creates a significant barrier, especially for the poor, the elderly, and those in remote areas who may lack easy access to the required paperwork or digital literacy. The fear is that this will lead to a silent disenfranchisement of a large section of the electorate, not because they are ineligible, but because the system failed them.

A Pattern of Protest: Mamata’s Fifth Letter

This is not an isolated complaint. Banerjee’s latest letter is part of a sustained campaign against the ECI’s handling of the SIR in West Bengal. Her repeated outreach underscores her government’s deep-seated belief that the process is fundamentally broken .

Her persistence suggests that previous communications have either been ignored or inadequately addressed by the Commission. The escalation in her language—from raising concerns to warning of a “gherao” (a form of protest siege) of ECI offices —indicates a growing frustration and a sense of urgency.

For more on the political dynamics in the region, see our coverage on [INTERNAL_LINK:west-bengal-politics].

ECI Response and the Road Ahead

As of now, the Election Commission has maintained that the SIR process is transparent, impartial, and designed to strengthen democracy. They argue that the use of technology is to enhance accuracy and efficiency, not to create hurdles.

However, the sheer volume and consistency of complaints from a major state government cannot be easily dismissed. The ECI now faces a critical test of its credibility. Will it initiate an independent review of the AI systems in question? Will it introduce more robust human verification layers to catch algorithmic errors before they impact voters?

The international community also watches closely. Organizations like the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) have long emphasized the need for inclusive and accessible voter registration processes, especially when new technologies are involved.

Conclusion: A Test for Indian Democracy

The controversy over the SIR flaws in West Bengal is about much more than a bureaucratic dispute between a state and the central election body. It strikes at the core of democratic principles: the right to vote and the state’s responsibility to protect that right for every eligible citizen.

Mamata Banerjee’s warnings about AI errors forcing people to “re-establish their identity” must be taken seriously. Technology should be a tool to empower the electoral process, not a gatekeeper that inadvertently locks out legitimate voters. The ECI’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether this process fulfills its promise of a cleaner, fairer voters’ list—or if it becomes a cautionary tale of how good intentions can go awry without proper safeguards.