New Delhi

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to retain power with the support of “infiltrators’ votes” amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.

Responding to petitions filed before the Supreme Court of India challenging aspects of the revision exercise, Pradhan said voters in West Bengal would respond decisively in the 2026 Assembly elections.

“Mamata Banerjee wants to return to power on the strength of infiltrators' votes. The people of Bengal will give her a befitting reply. The youth, women and common citizens of Bengal will bring change,” he said.

Supreme Court Hearing on SIR Exercise

Earlier, the Supreme Court heard a batch of petitions, including one filed by Banerjee, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision carried out by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in West Bengal.

Banerjee has claimed that several voters were placed on a “Logical Discrepancy” list over minor spelling variations in names and dialect differences. She also alleged that objection notices were issued without adequate reasons and that the state was being selectively targeted for deletion of voters’ names rather than correction or inclusion.

The Chief Minister appeared before the Court and argued that the revision process disproportionately focused on removal of names.

Following the hearing, the Supreme Court extended the deadline for publication of the final electoral roll under the SIR process by one week. The Court also issued a show-cause notice to the West Bengal Director General of Police over allegations of violence during the revision exercise.

Centre’s Response and Revised Schedule

Pradhan said that since the state government had approached the Supreme Court, it must abide by its directions.

“The country functions under the rule of law. Orders of the Supreme Court must be followed,” he said.

Subsequently, the ECI issued a revised timeline for the SIR process. According to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, hearings on notices are to conclude by February 14, with verification and disposal of claims by February 21. Rationalisation of polling stations is scheduled for completion by February 25, followed by health parameter checks by February 27. The final electoral roll is set to be published on February 28.

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The developments come against the backdrop of political positioning ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.