Mamata Banerjee Decries SIR Exercise as Assault on Democratic Rights at Kolkata Book Fair
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing critique against what she termed the "robbing of democratic rights" during her address at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair on Thursday. The chief minister's remarks came in response to the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which has recently issued notices to prominent intellectuals in the state.
Alleged Human Cost of SIR Exercise
In a dramatic revelation, Banerjee claimed that the SIR exercise has led to severe psychological distress among citizens, resulting in at least 110 deaths due to stress and panic so far. She elaborated on the practical hardships faced by residents, particularly the elderly, who are forced to endure long queues at SIR camps.
- Elderly individuals reportedly wait five to six hours daily in open areas for hearings
- Parents with multiple children are being questioned about age gaps between siblings
- Elderly citizens are being asked to provide birth proofs, creating bureaucratic hurdles
Personal Anecdotes and Broader Implications
The chief minister shared personal experiences to illustrate the systemic issues, noting her own birth date discrepancies in official records. "I don't have a birthday... I've written in the book that December 25 is not my birthday," Banerjee revealed, referring to her upcoming publication.
Her 162nd book, a compilation of 26 poems addressing the agony caused by the SIR exercise, is set to be released during this edition of the book fair. Banerjee emphasized that the situation affects not just ordinary citizens but also distinguished personalities.
- Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has reportedly been questioned about his parents' age difference
- Renowned poet Joy Goswami has received SIR notices
- Numerous doctors and engineers have also been served similar notices
Fundamental Democratic Concerns
Banerjee framed the issue as a fundamental threat to democratic processes, arguing that the Election Commission is prematurely determining electoral outcomes. "Previously, the rule was not the EC, but the people who decided who would come and who wouldn't. Now, the EC is deciding even before the votes who they will bring," she asserted.
The chief minister called for widespread protest against what she characterized as an erosion of democratic rights, invoking the metaphor of neighborhood solidarity: "Just because my house isn't on fire it doesn't mean I can stay silent when my neighbour's house is."
Banerjee concluded with a passionate appeal to intellectuals and citizens alike, stressing that the issue touches everyone in society and requires collective attention and action to preserve democratic values in West Bengal.
