Why is CM Banerjee Declining to Fill the SIR Enumeration Form?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refuses to complete her SIR enumeration form before her state's residents, igniting a political debate. This article explores her reasoning and the implications of her stance amidst claims of propaganda and fears of voter identity issues.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee will not fill out her SIR enumeration form until other residents have completed theirs.
- The SIR process has sparked political controversy in West Bengal.
- Banerjee refuted media claims about her accepting forms personally.
- The TMC alleges the SIR is a ploy to enforce the NRC.
- The SIR aims to update the electoral rolls in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Nov 6 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, declared on Thursday that she will not complete the enumeration forms prior to other residents of the state, which are essential for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) mandated by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The Chief Minister mentioned that the Booth-Level Officer (BLO) visited her official residence-cum-office in Kalighat, South Kolkata, to deliver the enumeration forms.
“Yesterday, the BLOs visited our area to perform their designated duties. They came to my residence-cum-office to ascertain the number of voters residing there and provided the forms. I have not filled out any form myself, and I will refrain from doing so until every resident of West Bengal completes their forms,” the Chief Minister stated in a social media update.
She refuted claims from certain local media outlets suggesting she emerged from her home to personally accept the enumeration form from the BLO, branding these reports as false, misleading, and intentional propaganda.
“Various media sources have claimed that I came out of my residence and received the enumeration form from the BLO in person! This information is entirely inaccurate and designed to mislead,” the Chief Minister's social media post asserted.
Since the onset of the SIR, the Chief Minister and her party have expressed opposition, alleging that the revision exercise is merely a tactic by the BJP and the Union Government to introduce the NRC in the state.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary and Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, has warned of organizing rallies from Bengal to New Delhi in front of the ECI’s headquarters if even a single legitimate voter's name is removed from the voters’ list.
Conversely, the BJP contends that the TMC is opposing the SIR out of fear of having the names of illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas expunged from the voters' list.
The first phase of the three-stage SIR commenced in West Bengal on Tuesday. During this phase, the BLOs are visiting voters' homes to distribute enumeration forms, with the entire process anticipated to conclude by March next year.
Point of View
Mamata Banerjee's decision to delay filling her enumeration forms reflects a broader concern about the integrity of the voter registration process. It highlights the ongoing tension between state and central governments regarding electoral policies and the fears surrounding voter identity. The situation calls for an unbiased examination of the implications of such political maneuvers.
NationPress
06/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIR enumeration form?
The SIR enumeration form is part of the Special Intensive Revision process initiated by the Election Commission of India to update the electoral rolls.
Why is Mamata Banerjee opposing the SIR?
Mamata Banerjee and her party believe that the SIR is a tactic by the BJP-led Union Government to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal.
What did Banerjee say about the media reports?
She dismissed the media reports claiming she personally accepted the form as misleading and intentional propaganda.
What are the concerns surrounding the SIR process?
There are concerns that the SIR may lead to the deletion of legitimate voters' names, particularly targeting illegal migrants.
When is the SIR process expected to conclude?
The entire SIR process is expected to be completed by March next year.
