Should ECI Disclose the Count of Illegal B'deshi or Rohingya Infiltrators in the Purged Bengal Voter List?
Synopsis
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has called on the Election Commission of India to reveal the number of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in the recently purged voter list of West Bengal, raising serious concerns about the implications of the revision process. His statements highlight significant issues of accountability and the welfare of the state's residents.
Key Takeaways
Clarity demanded on illegal infiltrators 65 deaths linked to revision process BJP accused of harassment Political accountability emphasized Migrant workers mistreated in Maharashtra
Kolkata, Jan 7 (NationPress) Abhishek Banerjee, the General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress and a Lok Sabha member, on Wednesday urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide clarity on the precise number of illegal Bangladeshi or Rohingya infiltrators within the 58.20 lakh voters whose names have been removed from the draft voters' list in West Bengal, which was released on December 16 of the previous year.
“The BJP is struggling to gain any electoral traction in West Bengal. This is why they are subjecting the state's citizens to harassment through the Election Commission under the guise of the Special Intensive Revision. I demand the exact count of illegal Bangladeshi or Rohingya infiltrators among the voters who have already been excluded,” Banerjee stated to reporters in Balurghat, South Dinajpur district of West Bengal, following a meeting with two local migrant workers who were reportedly detained and mistreated in Maharashtra under suspicions of being Bangladeshis.
On this occasion, he also asserted that due to the pressure and anxiety resulting from the revision process, a total of 65 individuals in West Bengal, including several booth-level officers (BLOs), have passed away since the initiative commenced in November of last year.
“Who is accountable for these tragic losses? What is the reason behind this hostility towards the people of West Bengal?” Banerjee questioned.
He further criticized the BJP Lok Sabha member from Balurghat and Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, for failing to take responsibility for the two migrant workers from the region who were recently detained and mistreated in Maharashtra.
“Politics should aim for the betterment of society. Does Majumdar have no obligation towards those who voted for him in the Lok Sabha? The public is eager to know his contributions to the advancement of his constituency. I challenge him to present a report card on this matter,” Banerjee remarked.
Additionally, he pointed out that the two local migrant workers faced arrest and mistreatment in Maharashtra merely because they spoke Bengali.
“Majumdar is also a Bengali-speaking individual. By that reasoning, he too could be labeled as a Bangladeshi,” concluded the General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress.
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain an unbiased perspective while reporting on the political landscape. The call for transparency from the ECI regarding the voter list revision in West Bengal raises significant questions about electoral integrity and the treatment of citizens. The implications of this issue extend beyond party politics, touching on the rights and welfare of individuals. It is essential to foster a dialogue that prioritizes factual representation and accountability.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Abhishek Banerjee's request to the ECI?
Banerjee sought clarity on the number of illegal Bangladeshi or Rohingya infiltrators in a voter list after the names of 58.20 lakh voters were deleted.
How many individuals have reportedly died due to the revision process?
A total of 65 individuals, including booth-level officers, have died since the revision process began in November last year.
What accusations did Banerjee make against the BJP?
He accused the BJP of harassing the people of West Bengal through the ECI and questioned their accountability in addressing local issues.
What is Banerjee's stance on the treatment of Bengali speakers?
He criticized the mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in Maharashtra, suggesting that such actions are unjust and discriminatory.
What challenge did Banerjee present to Sukanta Majumdar?
He challenged Majumdar to present a report card regarding his contributions to his constituency, emphasizing the need for accountability.
