The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of deliberately creating controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to shift focus from her government’s shortcomings. BJP National Spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain criticized Banerjee, alleging that she aimed to retain even deceased individuals on the voter list. Hussain claimed that the Trinamool Congress was perturbed by the removal of “ineligible” names from the voter rolls.
He further stated that previously, under the Trinamool Congress’ administration, a party worker’s name would appear in multiple constituencies, enabling them to cast votes throughout the day. However, with the current revision, each individual is listed only once, leading to concerns among certain groups. Hussain emphasized that the deletion of infiltrators’ names was causing distress to some parties, hinting at a potential electoral advantage for the BJP.
Hussain also alleged that Banerjee was deflecting attention from her government’s failures by questioning the SIR process and targeting the Election Commission. He suggested that Banerjee’s focus on the SIR was a strategic move to avoid discussions on her government’s performance. Meanwhile, in Bihar’s Siwan, state Minister Ashok Choudhary advised Banerjee to pursue legal avenues instead of making public statements regarding the SIR exercise.
Congress leader Udit Raj expressed apprehension over the alleged removal of voters’ names and did not rule out strong action by his party. Raj highlighted concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the potential impact on the electoral outcome. The controversy surrounding the SIR exercise has escalated political tensions in West Bengal, with parties trading accusations of electoral manipulation as the state gears up for the upcoming polls.
