Written by Atri MitraDecember 27, 2025 10:26 AM IST 3 min readMamata Banerjee’s letter to WBCS officers ahead of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has triggered allegations from the BJP that she is trying to influence the process. (File Photo)In the run-up to the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal starting on December 27, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with representatives of the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Officers Association and shot off a letter to them, triggering a political controversy.The Opposition BJP called it an attempt to influence the officers overseeing the SIR exercise.According to state administration sources, Banerjee met the association representatives on Tuesday (December 23) following which she wrote a letter, reminding them what her government had done for the “service” and that they were working in an “adverse environment” during the SIR exercise.In the letter, the CM referred to the “increase in perks and grade pay” of the WBCS officers after she assumed office in 2011. The letter stated, “I know WBCS officers are doing their job in an adverse environment during this SIR process. But remember that our government is always with you and in the future also, we will stand beside you.”She also recalled how her government “always oversees the well-being of WBCS officers”.In a post on X, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari criticised the move, alleging that the Chief Minister was attempting to influence officers overseeing the SIR exercise.“Mamata Banerjee is trying to woo the WBCS Officers who are overseeing the SIR exercise and in a subtle manner trying to remind them how they have benefited from this state government and, in a veiled way, tried to make them aware of the possibility that they will have to sit and discuss about their issues with her in future (implying after the elections),” Adhikari wrote.Story continues below this adHe added, “The Chief Minister suddenly lauding the contributions of WBCS officers and reminding them of their ‘allegiance to the government’ exposes a patronising tone, using administrative toil as leverage for loyalty. This is nothing but an attempt to intimidate the WBCS officers. However, has she actually walked the talk?”Adhikari also listed what he claimed were pending issues faced by WBCS officers under the Mamata Banerjee government. BJP sources said he has complained to the Election Commission (EC), seeking necessary action.The controversy has gained significance as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) — who will conduct the SIR hearings — are drawn from the WBCS (Executive) cadre.A senior state government official said, “EROs and AEROs have the power to dispose of all hearings. In every Assembly constituency, there will be 11 such officers who will essentially dispose of the hearings. So, if anyone says the Chief Minister is trying to influence the process, they are not fully wrong.”Story continues below this adThe EC is scheduled to begin the SIR hearing process in the state on December 27.Notices have first been issued to electors whose names have no mapping with the 2002 SIR.There are 31 lakh such electors in the draft electoral rolls published on December 16, of whom 10 lakh have already received hearing notices in the first round.In each Assembly constituency, 11 hearing tables will be set up, with one ERO or AERO at each table. A micro-observer appointed by the EC will also be present at every table to oversee the process.Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Mamata Banerjee