CJI Calls West Bengal ‘Most Polarized State’; Political Row Erupts

New Delhi: A political storm erupted on Friday after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant described West Bengal as “the most polarized state in the country.” The CJI made the remarks while the Supreme Court took cognizance of alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state.

Opposition Alleges Electoral Manipulation

Opposition leaders seized the CJI’s observations to launch a scathing attack on the Election Commission (EC) and the Central Government:

• Congress: MP Pramod Tiwari welcomed the court’s intervention, asserting that the time for action had arrived. He questioned the neutrality of the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged that the SIR process appears “aligned with the BJP.” Tiwari insisted that the Supreme Court must now review the Election Commission’s role to ensure “fairness actually exists.”

• Samajwadi Party: Spokesperson Dharmendra Singh criticized the joint actions of the BJP, the Union Home Ministry, and the EC. He cited the recovery of thousands of Form 6 applications from BJP leaders as evidence of an attempt to “manipulate the voter list” for electoral gains.

• Janata Dal-United: Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad called the CJI’s remarks “significant,” noting they reflect a “forceful suppression of people’s aspirations” amidst an ongoing Centre-State confrontation.

The SIR Controversy

The row centers on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, particularly following a sensitive incident in Malda. While the ruling Trinamool Congress maintains that all procedures follow the law, the Opposition claims the process is being weaponized to divide the electorate and secure unfair advantages.

The Supreme Court’s decision to take note of these broader political tensions suggests a deepening judicial scrutiny of West Bengal’s electoral climate ahead of upcoming polls.