Will the BJP Collaborate with ECI to Erase Bogus Voters from Bengal’s Electoral Rolls?
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Synopsis
Kolkata's political landscape is heating up as the BJP pledges to assist the ECI in cleansing the electoral rolls of bogus voters. With accusations flying between parties, the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has become a focal point of contention. Can the BJP truly make a difference in addressing this issue?
Key Takeaways
- BJP's Commitment: The BJP is dedicated to assisting the ECI in removing bogus voters.
- One Crore Bogus Voters: An estimate reveals that there are around one crore bogus voters in West Bengal.
- Concerns Over Timing: The timing of the Special Intensive Revision has raised questions, especially during festival months.
- Opposition Response: The Trinamool Congress opposes the SIR, fearing it could lead to NRC-like measures.
- Vigilance Promised: The BJP vows to monitor the process until the final electoral list is published.
Kolkata, Oct 9 (NationPress) The BJP plans to offer complete assistance to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal in removing the names of bogus voters, particularly illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh, from the state's electoral rolls, as stated by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, during a media briefing on Thursday.
“Our assessments indicate that there are approximately one crore bogus voters. Due to unfenced borders in certain districts of West Bengal, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh have crossed over and settled in the state. Over time, they secured their spots on the voters' list using fraudulent documents. We seek to have their names removed to cleanse the electoral rolls,” he shared.
He further emphasized that the BJP, as the leading Opposition party in West Bengal, along with himself as the LoP, will offer their full backing to the commission in the effort to eliminate these bogus names from the electoral lists.
“We will remain vigilant until the final list is published,” he asserted. Adhikari’s remarks come at a moment when a central ECI team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, is visiting the state to assess the preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
As reported, the SIR is anticipated to commence after October 15. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of this timeline, given that October is a month filled with festivals for the state.
“Is it feasible to initiate the SIR during the festival days of this month? Will the ECI act under the influence of the BJP? Or will the commission uphold the democratic rights of the citizens?” the Chief Minister questioned.
The last SIR in West Bengal occurred in 2002. The Trinamool Congress has already opposed the SIT, labeling it as an indirect effort to impose the NRC in West Bengal.
The BJP contends that the Chief Minister is resisting the SIR to ensure that illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators remain on the voters' list.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the complexities surrounding the removal of bogus voters. While efforts to maintain electoral integrity are commendable, it is equally important to ensure that such measures do not compromise the democratic rights of genuine voters. The political landscape in West Bengal is fraught with challenges, and any initiative must be approached with caution and transparency.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BJP's stance on bogus voters?
The BJP has expressed its commitment to cooperate with the ECI to eliminate bogus voters from West Bengal's electoral rolls, particularly those identified as illegal infiltrators.
What are the concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision?
There are concerns about the timing of the SIR, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questions the feasibility of conducting it during the festival month of October.
How many bogus voters are estimated to be in West Bengal?
Estimates suggest that there are approximately one crore bogus voters in West Bengal.
What is the response from the Trinamool Congress?
The Trinamool Congress has opposed the SIR, describing it as a potential attempt to implement the NRC in West Bengal.
When was the last Special Intensive Revision conducted in West Bengal?
The last SIR in West Bengal took place in 2002.
