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Kolkata: The full bench of the Election Commission (EC) has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the implementation of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar sharply criticising state officials for allegedly failing to follow guidelines properly.

According to sources, Kumar made the remarks at the start of a meeting between the EC’s full bench and senior state election and administrative officials. He reportedly told them that the work expected from them had not been carried out adequately due to negligence.

During the Commission’s meeting with political parties, all three major opposition parties in the state – the BJP, the Congress and the CPI(M) – demanded that the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections be conducted in a single phase or at most two phases.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the parties said they argued that prolonged, multi-phase polling schedules often create administrative complications and increase the possibility of tensions on the ground.

Congress leader Pradip Bhattacharya said the number of phases was less important than ensuring voter safety.

“What we want is security. The Commission must ensure that voting happens neutrally. We would be happy if it........

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