New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) - On Thursday, Janata Dal-United MP Sanjay Kumar Jha expressed strong disapproval of the West Bengal government's actions following the reported 'gherao' of seven judicial officers associated with the SIR process in the politically charged state. He warned that such incidents could instill a sense of fear among voters and urged for decisive measures in accordance with the Supreme Court's directives.

The incident involved seven judicial officers being allegedly gheraoed for approximately nine hours in the Malda district.

The Supreme Court has raised grave concerns regarding the situation, labeling it as "pre-planned" and "motivated." Additionally, the court has mandated the deployment of central forces to safeguard the officers and has recommended that the Election Commission consider transferring the investigation to agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In its statements, the apex court referred to West Bengal as a "highly polarized state."

While speaking to IANS outside Parliament, Jha drew parallels with Bihar, where a similar SIR initiative was successfully conducted.

"In Bihar, there was an SIR process as well. While there was opposition, the electoral exercise was executed smoothly. Elections proceeded with minimal complaints. In one instance, a re-poll occurred after a voter reported their name was missing, demonstrating the Election Commission's responsible actions," remarked the JD-U MP.

He further claimed that the West Bengal government has opposed the SIR process since its inception.

"From the outset, the state government has resisted the SIR and the Election Commission of India, fostering an environment that undermines the credibility of the Election Commission. To maintain trust in our constitutional institutions, stringent action must be taken," he emphasized.

Addressing the incident in Malda, Jha stated, "What transpired in West Bengal resembled a hostage situation. Such events can cultivate fear among voters, deterring them from exercising their democratic rights. Has anything like this ever occurred anywhere else in the country? If the Supreme Court has acknowledged it, then appropriate action must ensue."

He also condemned opposition leaders for allegedly undermining constitutional institutions.

"Those in the opposition, particularly the INDIa bloc leaders, may carry copies of the Constitution, yet they are attempting to weaken constitutional institutions," he informed IANS.

Reportedly, the incident occurred following protests outside the Kaliachak II Block Development Office concerning the removal of names from electoral rolls during the SIR process. Protesters initially requested a meeting with judicial officers; however, upon denial, they allegedly gheraoed the office around 4 p.m., holding the officers, including three women and a five-year-old child, confined for several hours.