New Delhi, Nov 10 (NationPress) BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday for her resistance to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, asserting that safeguarding legitimate voters and eliminating fraudulent, illegal, or deceased votes is critical for a thriving democracy.

His comments followed Banerjee's fierce criticism of the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that the ongoing SIR of voter lists is being utilized as a mechanism for “silent, invisible rigging” in advance of the 2026 Assembly elections. On November 4, she spearheaded a large rally from Dharmatala to Jorasanko in central Kolkata, cautioning that the “downfall of the Narendra Modi administration will be unavoidable” if even one eligible voter is removed from the rolls.

In an interview with IANS, Chugh stated, “The Bengal government, which promotes a ruthless jihadi mindset in the state, is hindering the effective execution of initiatives designed to prevent illegal, fake, and deceased votes from being counted. Safeguarding legitimate votes and identifying, removing, and erasing fraudulent or illegal votes is vital for a healthy democracy.”

He urged the state government to collaborate with the Election Commission rather than obstructing the process.

“The Bengal government should facilitate the SIR and refrain from impeding it,” Chugh emphasized.

Accusing the Trinamool Congress government of protecting infiltrators, Chugh remarked, “Infiltrators are robbing our youth of jobs, government positions, families’ provisions, and even our peace and security. How can infiltrators be permitted to select governments or leaders in this country or anywhere else? This is unconstitutional and perilous for democracy.”

Chugh also addressed a recent video message from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, released on November 5, in which he encouraged young voters in Bihar to participate actively in the upcoming elections. Gandhi had asserted, “My young friends from Bihar, my Gen-Z brothers and sisters, tomorrow is not merely a day for voting but a day to define the future of Bihar.”

In response, Chugh remarked, “The Gen-Z generation has turned away from the Congress that once disrespected Indian values. With integrity and diligence, Gen-Z is focused on realizing the dream of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’. Rahul Ji, your Italy-style politics will not succeed here.”