Mamata Banerjee Speaks to Congress Leaders Over EC Row; INDIA Bloc Meeting Likely on September 30
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee has spoken with senior Congress leaders as opposition parties step up coordination over the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. An INDIA bloc meeting is likely to be held in New Delhi on September 30 to discuss the issue and formulate a joint response, India Today reported.
Mamata in Touch With Congress Leadership
Banerjee has been holding consultations with opposition leaders amid growing concerns within the INDIA bloc over the functioning of the Election Commission. Mamata Banerjee Moves SC Against ECI Order Freezing TMC Name, ‘Flowers and Grass’ Symbol.
The proposed September 30 meeting is expected to bring together INDIA bloc constituents to discuss the Election Commission row, SIR and other related electoral issues. The Congress Working Committee is also scheduled to meet on September 29 to discuss the party's strategy on the matter.
TMC, CPI(M) Open Communication
The developments have also led to communication between the TMC and CPI(M), despite their long-standing political rivalry in West Bengal. CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby had written to opposition leaders seeking coordinated action over concerns surrounding the Election Commission. Baby subsequently spoke with Banerjee, with both sides discussing the possibility of working together on the issue. Mamata Banerjee Warns BJP Over TMC Office Attack, Threatens Delhi Protests.
The discussions focus on concerns over the credibility of the electoral process and the SIR exercise rather than an electoral alliance between the two parties.
Opposition Seeks Action Against CEC
Several opposition parties have intensified their criticism of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The CPI(M), CPI and CPI(ML)-Liberation have called for Kumar's removal and demanded that the SIR exercise be halted. The Congress has also stepped up its campaign against the CEC, with party workers holding protests across several states on September 25.
Opposition parties are also working on another removal notice against Kumar, which could be submitted in both Houses of Parliament after legal vetting. Reports indicate that this would be the third such attempt by the opposition.
Disagreement Within Election Commission
The political mobilisation comes after reports about differences among Election Commission members over aspects of the SIR process. Reports cited by opposition parties say Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded objections on several occasions concerning decisions related to the electoral-roll revision.
The Election Commission, however, has maintained that differing views are part of institutional deliberations and that its decisions have legal backing and follow statutory procedures.
Abhishek Banerjee Also Holds Discussions
TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has also been involved in discussions with opposition leaders as parties explore a coordinated response to the Election Commission issue. The consultations come as opposition parties seek to bring different groups together around concerns over electoral procedures and the SIR exercise. The September 30 meeting, if held as proposed, is expected to provide a platform for the opposition parties to discuss their next course of action.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2026 03:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
