Will Mamata Banerjee Lead Anti-SIR Rallies in Bengal's Malda and Murshidabad?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee is holding rallies in Malda and Murshidabad.
- The focus is on opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- Significant minority populations in these districts are crucial for the Trinamool Congress.
- Cooch Behar rally aims to engage the Rajbanshi community.
- Recent communal tensions pose challenges for the state administration.
Kolkata, Dec 2 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal is set to conduct two back-to-back rallies opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on Wednesday and Thursday in the minority-heavy districts of Malda and Murshidabad. This effort is part of the Trinamool Congress's ongoing resistance against the current electoral roll revision in the state.
A high-ranking cabinet member from West Bengal, who asked to remain unnamed, verified the Chief Minister's schedule.
“She plans to depart for Malda on Tuesday evening, where she will deliver a speech against the SIR at Gajole Maidan on Wednesday. On Thursday, she will address another anti-SIR rally at the Baharampur stadium in Murshidabad,” stated the minister.
Before her departure to Malda, the Chief Minister is anticipated to unveil a report showcasing the state government's accomplishments over the last fifteen years under her administration.
She is likely to return to Kolkata on Thursday night following the rally. Subsequently, she will head to Cooch Behar on December 8, where she will speak at another rally opposing the electoral roll revision on December 9.
The event in Cooch Behar is scheduled to take place at Rash Mela Maidan. Banerjee might also conduct an administrative review in the district during this visit.
Political analysts point out that the choice of Malda, Murshidabad, and Cooch Behar for these upcoming rallies reflects the demographic makeup of these areas.
Both Malda and Murshidabad have considerable minority populations, while Cooch Behar is home to a substantial Rajbanshi or Koch Rajbanshi community, many of whom shifted their allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Earlier this year, Murshidabad and parts of Malda experienced communal tensions and unrest following violent protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. Remarks made by the Calcutta High Court regarding the deployment of central armed police in Murshidabad caused unease for the state government.
In this context, CM Banerjee's addresses at the rallies in Malda, Murshidabad, and Cooch Behar are expected to draw significant attention.