West Bengal’s ruling Trinamul Congress MLA Manirul Islam on Friday wrote to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) in charge of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, clarifying that his remarks during the 14 January protest at the Farakka BDO office were not intended to undermine the commission or influence the electoral process.
Expressing his “highest respect” for the Election Commission, its officials and India’s electoral system in the letter, the Farakka legislator said he has always followed the Constitution and believes in the rule of law, though he admitted that there may have been errors in his choice of words.
He maintained that whatever he said outside the Farakka BDO office in Murshidabad district was not aimed at lowering the dignity of the Election Commission of India.
“My statement had no ill intent, provocation or attempt to violate the law. If anyone has interpreted it differently, it (my remark) was unintentional,” he wrote, adding that he remains ready to cooperate with the administration and the Election Commission and will abide by all lawful directions.
The MLA stated that his comments essentially reflected public opinion on the SIR.
He said the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls is meant for public convenience and for ensuring the proper exercise of voting rights, a process that has also been taken into consideration by the Supreme Court.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of a violent incident at the Farakka BDO office on 14 January.
Tension had flared up that day after a group of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) staged a protest. Soon after, Manirul arrived at the office with supporters, demanding an immediate halt to the SIR process.
During the agitation, plastic chairs and furniture inside the BDO office were allegedly vandalised.
Standing outside the office, Manirul had said that the SIR was creating divisions between communities, alleging differential treatment in document verification based on names.
Following the incident, ECI officials contacted state Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and asked for action against those involved.
Police arrested two persons the same day on charges related to the vandalism, but Manirul’s name was not mentioned in the FIR.
However, the commission later directed that legal action, including registration of an FIR against Manirul Ismal, should be completed by 5 p.m, Thursday.
Despite the deadline passing, an FIR was not filed for nearly a day.
It was during this period of delay that Manirul submitted his letter to the administration, seeking to clarify his position and reiterating his willingness to cooperate with the Election Commission of India.