As the Election Commission-directed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll kicked off across West Bengal on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a public meeting in Jorasanko after leading a massive procession in central Kolkata, promising to protect the voting rights of Bengal residents and launching a blistering attack on the BJP and the Election Commission.
Following the EC’s instructions, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) began door-to-door verification and enumeration work from Tuesday morning as part of the SIR exercise. BLOs are issuing and collecting forms and carrying out additional checks to update and correct the voter rolls ahead of elections.
Speaking to supporters in Jorasanko, Mamata urged people not to panic and vowed to safeguard every eligible voter’s name. “We will not allow the name of even a single worthy person of Bengal to be omitted. If necessary, we will save it even if we give our lives for it,” she said, promising party help to those facing problems with documentation.
Responding to questions about the omission of Abhishek Banerjee’s name from a 2002 list, Mamata said the matter was illogical: “Abhishek was born in 1987, how will his name appear in the 2002 voter list? He first exercised his right to vote in 2006,” she said.
Mamata referred to reports that several people allegedly took their own lives after the SIR announcement, urging calm and appealing to families not to act in fear. “Those whose parents’ names are not in the 2002 voter list, do not panic unnecessarily on the BJP's words. Do not waste your precious lives. Apart from parents’ certificates, many other documents can be given. Keep in touch with the BLAs,” she said.
Addressing the Matua community comprising Hindu refugees from Bangladesh, the chief minister warned people against alleged scams related to issuing identity cards. “In the name of giving cards to Matuas, money is being taken from them by holding camps. Do not fall into these traps. I swear in the name of god, I will not let any harm come to you,” she said.
Mamata accused the BJP of attempting a political takeover by manipulating the SIR process. “After defeats in the 16th, 21st and 24th elections, the BJP is now trying to capture Bengal through the back door. By deleting the names of 2 crore people of Bengal in the name of SIR, they think they will capture Bengal. The people of Bengal will not let them fulfill that dream,” she said, urging people to approach courts if necessary but not to fear any agency.
She urged specific communities to disregard letters or notices they receive from Assam, telling Rajbangshi residents to “throw them away” if they worry the communications are dubious.
In a parting remark aimed at the Election Commission, Mamata took a provocative tone. “Modibabu, Kursibabu is trying to create new history to please Shahbabu,” she said, characterising the SIR mobilisation in opposition-ruled states as politicised and selective.
The SIR exercise — intended as an administrative revision of voter rolls — has thus taken on sharp political overtones, with the ruling TMC mobilising supporters and the Opposition raising fresh complaints. BLOs continue door-to-door verification across the state while party leaders and election authorities brace for further disputes in the coming days.
Also read: Bengal politics heats up over SIR; TMC, BJP take to streets
Follow us
