The Election Commission of India has moved to allay fears raised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding Aadhaar card deactivations in West Bengal. In a meeting with a TMC delegation led by Rajya Sabha leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, the Election Commission assured that voters without Aadhaar cards would not be obstructed from exercising their franchise, news agency PTI reported.
Ray, along with other TMC leaders, including Dola Sen and Saket Gokhale, expressed concerns over the deactivation of numerous Aadhaar cards in West Bengal, alleging that due process was not followed. The Election Commission responded by affirming that voters could present alternative valid documents, such as their voter ID cards, to cast their votes.
"We raised our concerns over Aadhaar cards of thousands of people in West Bengal being deactivated or omitted without following the due process of law," said Ray, briefing reporters after the meeting, as quoted by PTI.
In addition to the Aadhaar issue, the TMC delegation also discussed the establishment of District Intelligence Committees to monitor expenditure, especially in financially sensitive areas. The Election Commission has agreed to form these committees, comprising members from both state and central agencies, including police, IT, Excise, GST, and ED officers.
"This is the first time such a committee is being formed for West Bengal," stated a memorandum submitted to the ECI by the TMC, as per PTI's report.
Ray highlighted that the assurance was given regarding the nationwide implementation of such committees, with state agencies also participating.
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TMC's Concerns Over Central Forces Deployed In Bengal
Moreover, the TMC delegation brought to light the recent incident involving the death of four children during BSF's drain expansion work in Uttar Dinajpur's Chopra, West Bengal. They urged the Election Commission to ensure that central forces deployed in the state adhere to their duties appropriately.
The TMC's memorandum referred to incidents during the 2021 Assembly Elections where central forces allegedly behaved improperly during route marches. They called for strict supervision by both the ECI and state government officials to prevent such occurrences during future elections, the report mentioned.
"In the circumstances, we urge upon you to ensure that the Central Forces behave, function and conduct themselves as per requirements of law," the memorandum stated, as quoted by PTI.
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