Are Mamata’s Comments Inciting Turmoil? BJP Critiques Bengal CM on SIR
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee warns of nationwide protests against the SIR process.
- BJP MP Jagdambika Pal criticizes her remarks, claiming they promote chaos.
- The SIR process aims to clean up electoral rolls ahead of elections.
- Electoral roll revisions are vital for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
- The SIR process is ongoing across 12 states and Union Territories.
Siddharthnagar, Nov 26 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a stark warning to the Central government regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state, claiming she would take to the streets nationwide to "shake the entire nation." BJP MP Jagdambika Pal responded on Wednesday, criticizing her statements and asserting that such remarks from a sitting Chief Minister could lead to unrest.
While addressing an anti-SIR rally in Bongaon, Banerjee referenced the BJP's actions in Bihar and alleged that locals failed to recognize what she termed the party’s "game plan." She warned that this scenario would not unfold in West Bengal, stating, "If you target me in Bengal and I perceive any attack on my people as a personal affront, then I will shake the entire nation. I will travel across the country after the elections."
In reaction, BJP MP Pal told IANS, "Mamata Banerjee has made such a statement despite her position as Chief Minister. Her comments will merely incite chaos. This reflects confusion and panic."
Pal claimed that the Bihar elections illustrated the consequences of removing suspected illegal voters. "Bihar has shown that if illegal voters, including Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, are excluded from the electoral rolls, the political outcome shifts. The same will occur in West Bengal," he asserted.
He maintained that the SIR process is a standard legal procedure, stating, "The aim of the Special Intensive Revision is to cleanse the voter rolls. If someone’s name is mistakenly removed, they have the right to appeal. Every Indian citizen has the right to vote — but not illegal immigrants. However, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Rahul Gandhi oppose SIR as if they are defending Rohingyas and Bangladeshis," he continued.
The electoral roll revision is in progress ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The Election Commission has initiated the second phase of SIR across 12 states and Union Territories, with the final voter list scheduled for publication on February 7, 2026.
The first phase of SIR was conducted in Bihar before its Assembly elections. The current phase encompasses West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Chhattisgarh.