During an election rally in Tentulia, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Central Government for the removal of voter names in the ongoing SIR exercise, suggesting that national agencies have become subservient to the BJP. She likened the current political situation to the traditional Bengali “Chaitra sale,” implying that everything has been compromised.
Banerjee stated, “Ninety lakh names have been erased from the voter lists, and the tribunals have yet to commence their operations. No agency appears to be impartial; every central entity seems to be aligned with the BJP. It feels as though everything has been sold off like during the Chaitra sale.”
Describing the deletion of names as a deliberate strategy, she pointed out that among the 90 lakh removed, 60 lakh belong to Hindus and 30 lakh to Muslims. She accused the BJP of indiscriminately eliminating voters and remarked, “You might trust a snake once, but never the BJP.”
Banerjee also alleged that the BJP imported individuals from outside for the Assam elections, reflecting their lack of confidence in winning with the local vote. “A train carrying 50,000 individuals was sent to Assam from Uttar Pradesh,” she claimed.
Furthermore, she asserted that the BJP is attempting to replicate this strategy in Bengal by relocating officials, which has led to the transfer of numerous police and administrative officers following the announcement of elections.
In reference to the NRC exercise in Assam, she noted that out of 19 lakh names removed, 13 lakh were Hindus and 6 lakh were Muslims. Banerjee encouraged those affected by the SIR to contest their cases in the tribunals and promised legal assistance to reinstate legitimate voters.
“I will not permit the NRC in Bengal. There will be no detention camps in Bengal while I am in power,” she emphasized.
Addressing the safety of Bengal’s migrant workers in BJP-ruled states, Banerjee remarked, “The BJP fails to protect Bengal’s citizens in other states but boasts about creating a ‘Sonar Bangla’ at rallies. They should only dream of a ‘Sonar Bangla’ after ensuring the safety of West Bengal’s people in BJP-governed areas. First, we need to secure Bengal, then we can focus on Delhi.”
Shifting her attention to the electoral process, she labeled the Election Commission as the “BJP vanish washing commission” and urged her supporters to remain vigilant during the counting of votes. “If there is any tampering with the EVMs, demand their replacement. You have waited in long lines for Aadhaar cards and SIR; I ask you to be patient when voting if the EVM malfunctions. Test all the buttons on the EVMs to check for irregularities. I do not trust them,” she cautioned.
Banerjee also requested the electorate to regard her as the Trinamool Congress’s candidate for all 294 seats in the state. “If you desire a Trinamool Congress government under my guidance, consider me the candidate for every constituency,” she stated.
Sweety Kumari is an experienced journalist for The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. With a decade of experience in journalism, including eight years with The Indian Express, she is recognized for her expertise across various critical subjects.
Her extensive background encompasses vital areas such as Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, and she is known for her investigative work and human-interest stories. Kumari began her career as an Entertainment and Lifestyle journalist, which provided her with a solid foundation in the media landscape.
A graduate of Jadavpur University with a PG in Mass Communication, she also holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Her multilingual abilities in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhance her connection with diverse communities, contributing to her impactful reporting.
Kumari’s unique combination of substantial experience, specialized reporting in critical areas, and strong academic qualifications establishes her as a trusted contributor to The Indian Express.
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