Kolkata, February 18 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday described the Election Commission as a "Tughlaqi Commission," run by a political party, alleging widespread manipulation of voter lists in the state.
By using the word 'Tughlaqi', Banerjee was alluding to the Delhi sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who was known for whimsical decisions.
Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat, she said, "A woman functionary in the BJP's IT cell removed 58 lakh voter names in Bengal using AI. The EC is defying Supreme Court orders, targeting voters, and undermining democracy."
On voter deletions, she alleged that, on the instructions of the BJP, the EC is deleting the names of West Bengal's voters during the SIR (Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls).
"Citing logical discrepancies, it is snatching away democratic rights and treating ordinary people like terrorists. Bengal is being targeted to satisfy the BJP," the TMC supremo alleged.
Defending the seven assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs), who were suspended by the poll panel, she said, "If Bengal government's officers are victimized (by the EC), we will 100 per cent protect them and promote those who are demoted."
In the state, 160 people lost their lives due to SIR anxiety and work-related pressure, Banerjee claimed.