EC Issues Notice to Former MP Tutu Bose and Family for Citizenship Hearing
The Election Commission has sent formal notices to Swapan Sadhan Bose and his entire family. The notices require their appearance at a special hearing on January 19. This development involves the prominent Bose family of Kolkata.
Details of the Hearing and Family Response
Swapan Sadhan Bose, known popularly as Tutu Bose, received the notice along with family members. His son Srinjoy Bose, who serves as Mohun Bagan secretary and is also a former MP, was included in the notice. The hearing will take place at Ballygunge Government High School.
Family members indicate Swapan Sadhan Bose might not attend the hearing. His poor health and wheelchair-bound condition create significant challenges for physical attendance. However, other family members plan to appear as required.
Background of the Citizenship Issue
The notice stems from an apparent discrepancy in official records. The Bose family names do not appear on the 2002 Special Intensive Revision list. Family representatives emphasize they were living in Kolkata at that time. Their residence was on Hungerford Street during the relevant period.
Initially, the Booth Level Officer informed the family that everything was in order. Later communication reversed this position, requiring their attendance at the hearing. The family currently resides in KMC Ward 69, which falls within the Ballygunge Assembly constituency.
Reactions from Sports and Political Circles
The summons has generated strong reactions from various quarters. Former footballer Dipendu Biswas expressed disappointment about the situation. He stated that Tutu Bose represents an institution in Indian football through his association with Mohun Bagan.
"Tutu Bose is synonymous with Mohun Bagan, and now he has to prove his citizenship," Biswas remarked. He suggested alternative approaches for handling such matters involving prominent individuals.
Trinamool Congress functionary Kunal Ghosh criticized the Election Commission's action through social media. He highlighted Bose's health condition and described the summons as oppressive. Ghosh predicted political consequences for this decision in upcoming elections.
Official Clarification from Election Authorities
The Chief Electoral Officer of Bengal responded to the criticism with an official statement. The response clarified that the notice follows standard procedures applicable to all similar cases. The enumeration forms showed blank linkage columns for the Bose family.
The statement noted that Swapan Sadhan Bose could request a hearing at his residence due to his health condition. This accommodation option remains available according to established protocols.
The hearing on January 19 will determine the final resolution of this citizenship verification matter. All parties await the outcome of this proceeding involving the respected Bose family.
