Why is Mamata Banerjee So Vocal Against the SIR?
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Synopsis
In a fierce critique, BJP's Pradeep Bhandari alleges that Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is panicking over the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voters. As the ECI prepares to cleanse the electoral roll, the TMC fears losing its hold on illegal voters. What does this mean for West Bengal's political landscape?
Key Takeaways
- BJP claims TMC is afraid of losing illegal voters.
- Special Intensive Review (SIR) aims to cleanse electoral rolls.
- TMC accuses BJP of using SIR for political gain.
- Last SIR in West Bengal was in 2002.
- Concerns about genuine voters being affected.
New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Monday launched a fierce critique against the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, asserting that the party is terrified of the potential removal of fraudulent voters and has entered a state of panic regarding the upcoming Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the electoral roll.
This statement comes as the Election Commission of India (ECI) gears up for the SIR in West Bengal, in anticipation of next year's Assembly elections.
The ruling Trinamool Congress has consistently opposed the idea of the exercise, alleging that SIR is merely a covert strategy by the Union government and the BJP to impose NRC in West Bengal.
Conversely, the BJP contends that the Trinamool Congress's resistance to SIR stems from their anxiety over the deletion of illegal voters from the electoral list.
In a post on X, Bhandari remarked, “Is Mamata afraid of losing fake voters? The TMC is in a state of full-blown panic over the SIR. Why? Because the era of fake voters dominating Bengal's democracy is concluding.”
He further asserted that the “loud drama” exhibited by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not aimed at the populace, but rather for her “largest illegal vote bank” — comprising illegal migrants, counterfeit voter IDs, and a cut-money system that has sustained her political power.
“She understands that when fake names are purged from the voter list, the TMC’s politics of infiltration will collapse. To save Bengal from illegal infiltration, Mamata must step down,” Bhandari added.
The SIR is set to proceed in West Bengal amidst significant opposition from the Trinamool Congress government.
While the CPI(M)-led Left Front does not fundamentally oppose the exercise, they have expressed concerns that it should not lead to the elimination of legitimate voters' names from the list. Additionally, there have been disputes in West Bengal regarding the appointments of booth-level officers (BLOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
The last SIR conducted in West Bengal occurred in 2002.
Point of View
It's crucial to provide an unbiased perspective on the ongoing political situation in West Bengal. The conflict between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress highlights broader concerns regarding electoral integrity and governance. The Special Intensive Review (SIR) raises essential questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process, and it is imperative for all political parties to engage constructively in safeguarding democracy.
NationPress
28/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Review (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Review (SIR) is an exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India to audit and potentially cleanse the electoral roll by removing names of fraudulent or illegal voters.
Why is the Trinamool Congress opposing the SIR?
The Trinamool Congress opposes the SIR, alleging that it is a strategy by the Union government and BJP to impose NRC in West Bengal and fearing the deletion of names of illegal voters.
When was the last SIR conducted in West Bengal?
The last Special Intensive Review (SIR) in West Bengal was conducted in 2002.
What are the implications of the SIR for West Bengal's politics?
The SIR could significantly impact the political landscape by potentially removing illegal voters, which may destabilize the Trinamool Congress's hold on power.
What are the concerns raised by the Left Front regarding the SIR?
The Left Front has raised concerns that the SIR should not result in the deletion of names of genuine voters from the electoral list.
