Is the BJP's Decision to Exclude Assam from the SIR Exercise a Strategic Move to Protect Its Own State?
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Synopsis
In a heated address, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee questions the BJP's motives in excluding Assam from the electoral roll revision exercise. He raises concerns about the implications for democracy and voter integrity as the state prepares for elections next year.
Key Takeaways
- Assam's exclusion from SIR raises questions about electoral fairness.
- Banerjee accuses BJP of attempting to control voter selection.
- Concerns about the integrity of the voters’ list are paramount.
- Protests may arise if genuine voters are removed from the list.
- Recent incidents highlight the panic surrounding NRC in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Oct 28 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee raised concerns on Tuesday regarding the decision to exclude Assam from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He highlighted that the northeastern state, like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, is also preparing for elections next year.
“With assembly elections approaching in Assam, which also shares international borders, one must ask why it has been omitted from the SIR’s scope. This appears to be a deliberate tactic by the BJP to shield a state under its governance from this crucial revision process,” Banerjee stated to reporters in Kolkata.
In response, state BJP officials remarked that there was no necessity to address Banerjee's comments, as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had already provided clarity on the rationale behind Assam’s exclusion from the SIR initiative.
Banerjee further accused the current central government of attempting to undermine the democratic process, asserting that it seeks to “choose its voters” rather than allowing citizens to elect their government.
“The true intention is not to create an accurate voters’ list. In fact, SIR is an abbreviation for ‘Silent Invisible Rigging’. The last revision in West Bengal took nearly two years, yet they claim this one will be completed in just two months,” he added.
The Trinamool Congress leader insisted that if the genuine goal was to ensure an error-free electoral roll, the revision should be conducted over a sufficient timeframe, rather than in haste. “The real objective is to remove the names of legitimate voters from the list under the guise of revision,” Banerjee alleged.
He warned that if legitimate voter names were removed during the SIR process, the Trinamool Congress would organize protests outside the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters in New Delhi.
In light of a recent incident involving the suicide of a 57-year-old man, identified as Pradeep Kar, in Panihati of North 24 Parganas district—reportedly due to fears surrounding a potential National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal—Banerjee accused the Union government and the ECI of instigating fear among the populace.
“The Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar bear responsibility for this tragedy. They should be held accountable,” Banerjee asserted.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the ramifications of political maneuvers like the BJP's decision. While Banerjee's allegations raise significant concerns about electoral fairness, the response from the BJP suggests a desire to maintain stability in governance. The situation demands careful observation as it unfolds, ensuring that every citizen's right to vote is safeguarded.
NationPress
05/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Assam excluded from the SIR exercise?
The BJP claims it was a necessary decision, but critics like Abhishek Banerjee argue it is a strategic move to protect their governance in the state.
What are the implications of this exclusion?
Excluding Assam could undermine the integrity of the electoral process, raising concerns about voter representation and fairness.
Who is responsible for the panic among citizens regarding NRC?
Abhishek Banerjee holds Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar accountable for creating fear among the populace.
