West Bengal: EC to issue show-cause notices to EROs, AEROs

New Delhi, Feb 19, 2026 : Election Commission of India has decided to issue show-cause notices to the concerned Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) for failing to upload a large number of voters’ documents online under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process currently underway in West Bengal. According to an official, even four days after the hearing concluded, nearly one lakh fifteen thousand documents are yet to be uploaded.

The Commission had clearly instructed all EROs and AEROs that if any application is rejected, the specific reason must be clearly stated. However, allegations have surfaced that this rule has been violated in several cases. The disposal process is also reportedly moving at a slow pace, and sudden system failures have been reported in some areas. Citing these reasons, the Commission has decided to issue show-cause notices. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress has alleged that Special Roll Observer C. Murugan violated an order of the Supreme Court by issuing directions to officers through WhatsApp.

Responding to the allegations, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agrawal clarified that Mr. Murugan had not issued any independent directions but had only explained the Commission’s instructions. He added that Mr. Murugan would be spoken to in light of the Trinamool Congress’ complaint. No response has been received from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office regarding the demand for Mr. Murugan’s resignation.