A recent investigation has raised serious questions about how electoral rolls were revised in West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections. The report suggests that key instructions related to the Special Intensive Revision process were communicated through WhatsApp messages rather than formal written orders, deviating from established election procedures.
The findings indicate that the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal issued operational directions to district officials via informal digital messages. These instructions reportedly altered how voter enrolment and verification were conducted, at times contradicting the official rules laid down by the Election Commission of India. The Special Intensive Revision is meant to be a structured and transparent exercise to ensure accurate voter lists.
Typically, such processes rely on written circulars and documented guidelines to maintain accountability and uniform implementation across regions. The use of informal communication channels has therefore drawn criticism from political parties and civil society groups. Some of these concerns were also echoed in legal petitions, bringing the issue under wider public scrutiny.
Critics argue that relying on WhatsApp messages for sensitive electoral instructions risks confusion, inconsistency, and a lack of proper oversight. There are fears that voters could be affected if procedures vary from one district to another, potentially leading to exclusions or delays in voter registration.
Election officials have defended the use of messaging platforms as a practical way to ensure quick coordination during time-bound exercises. However, the controversy has sparked a broader debate about balancing efficiency with transparency. As elections approach, the episode serves as a reminder that even administrative shortcuts can have serious implications when democratic processes are involved.
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