In a fiery address during Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary celebrations on Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the ongoing Summary Revision (SIR) hearings, questioning their legitimacy and impact on citizens' rights. Speaking on Friday with Chandra Bose, Netaji's grandnephew, present on the dais, Banerjee drew parallels to historical figures, suggesting even Netaji himself would face scrutiny under current processes.
"Sinister Plans" and Cultural Disrespect Alleged
Banerjee claimed that "sinister plans are always being hatched against Bengal" from Delhi, which she described as "a city of conspiracy." She expressed concern over the disrespect shown towards cultural icons and visionaries, including Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Vallabhbhai Patel, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Matangini Hazra. "We are witnessing hostility, disrespect and ingratitude," the CM stated, emphasizing that Bengal's identity, language, and heritage are being systematically belittled.
Questioning the Scope of Government Control
The Chief Minister posed provocative questions about the potential overreach of central authorities. "Will they decide our marriages next? Will they decide who will love whom?" she asked, highlighting current debates over food and clothing choices. Banerjee warned that this could extend to decisions about childbirth, stating, "Maybe in the future they will decide whether a child can be born or not. I am saying this because I am deeply hurt."
Alarming Statistics and Human Cost
Revealing staggering numbers, Banerjee said approximately 2 crore names have been deleted and called for SIR hearings out of 7 crore people in West Bengal. "If 2 crore names are deleted out of 7 crore people, imagine how many are losing their rights," she remarked, noting that more than 110 people have died and three to four individuals are taking their own lives daily due to fear and anxiety.
Targeting of Women and Cultural Misunderstanding
Banerjee alleged that women voters face disproportionate targeting, with over 1 crore 38 lakh people receiving SIR notices. She explained that after marriage, women may keep both surnames or adopt their husband's surname, and moving to their husband's house is natural. "Under the guise of mismatch, women's names are being deleted," she asserted, criticizing the process for lacking understanding of Bengali culture and traditions.
Practical Challenges and Absurd Demands
The CM highlighted impractical requirements, such as asking elderly citizens to submit parents' birth certificates that rarely exist. She shared distressing examples, including a 90-year-old woman on oxygen support being taken to a hearing centre in an ambulance and tribal communities facing name deletions. Banerjee also mentioned that Nobel laureate Amartya Sen was summoned due to age differences in his parents' records, illustrating the process's flaws.
Call to Action and Historical Context
Banerjee urged common people to unite against these challenges and fulfil Netaji's dream of "Delhi Chalo." She questioned whether Bengal would accept the current situation and called for accountability, asking, "Why should a case not be filed against the ECI? The central govt, too, must take responsibility." Reflecting on India's independence struggle, she added, "After fighting for independence and the Renaissance, do we still need to prove whether we are voters of India?"
In conclusion, Banerjee's speech on Netaji Jayanti served as a powerful critique of the SIR process, blending emotional appeals with factual allegations to rally support against what she perceives as an assault on Bengal's cultural and democratic fabric.
