Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission of Orchestrating SIR Scam to Benefit BJP in Bengal
In a fiery rally held in Keshiary, West Midnapore, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission's Summary Revision of Rolls (SIR) exercise, labeling it a "big scam" designed to manipulate electoral outcomes in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking on Saturday, she asserted that the SIR initiative is a deliberate ploy aimed at "bringing BJP to office" in the state, and issued a stern warning of potential backlash against those enforcing the process.
Allegations of Discriminatory Voter Deletions and Community Targeting
Banerjee highlighted alarming statistics, claiming that out of 90 lakh voters deleted during the SIR exercise, 60 lakh are Hindus and 30 lakh are Muslims, which she described as indiscriminate and unjust. She emphasized that this would eventually be exposed as a massive fraud, stating, "It would be proved one day that SIR was a huge scam." Furthermore, she accused the authorities of specifically targeting marginalized communities, such as the Lodha and Sabar groups, during the revision process, raising concerns about ethnic discrimination.
Criticism of Citizenship Proof Demands and EVM Tampering Fears
The Chief Minister questioned the necessity for Bengali-speaking citizens to constantly prove their Indian citizenship, asking rhetorically, "Since we speak in Bengali, are we not Indians? Do we need to constantly prove our citizenship?" She also voiced suspicions about the BJP's intentions, alleging plans to tamper with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and spread fear among the populace. Banerjee referenced reports from Bihar, where deleted voters are allegedly facing consequences like ration denial and frozen bank accounts, and vowed to prevent such measures in Bengal, declaring, "I will not allow any such thing in Bengal."
Warnings of Justice and Broader Political Implications
Banerjee warned that those enforcing the SIR, whom she accused of torturing and harassing people to please their superiors, would face justice. She cited over 250 deaths linked to the SIR exercise, underscoring the human cost of the process. Her remarks reflect deepening political tensions in Bengal, as she positions herself against what she perceives as unfair electoral practices aimed at undermining regional governance. This rally underscores the ongoing conflict between state and central authorities, with Banerjee rallying support to safeguard Bengali interests against perceived external interference.
