Will Trinamool Congress Introduce a Motion Against SIR in West Bengal Assembly's Winter Session?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress is set to challenge the Election Commission's SIR.
- The initiative has sparked widespread public concern.
- Potential voter disenfranchisement is a key issue.
- Political tensions between the Trinamool Congress and BJP are escalating.
- Upcoming Winter Session is crucial for addressing these issues.
Kolkata, Nov 5 (NationPress) The Trinamool Congress is contemplating introducing a motion against the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) during the upcoming Winter Session of the West Bengal Assembly.
While the precise start date for the Winter Session has yet to be determined, it is anticipated to commence in either the third or fourth week of November.
"The way in which the ECI has initiated SIR in West Bengal has instilled fear among a significant portion of the populace. This anxiety is evident in the numerous suicides and attempts reported across the state. Given this alarming scenario, the party's legislative group believes it is essential to present a motion against this initiative in the Assembly during the forthcoming Winter Session to formally express the party's concerns and objections. Consequently, a proposal has been submitted to the party's leadership," stated a cabinet member, preferring to remain unnamed.
On the first day of the initial phase of the three-phase SIR, the Trinamool Congress held a massive rally in Kolkata, where West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, along with Trinamool Congress General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, cautioned of larger public movements against the ECI, should the names of any legitimate voters be removed from the electoral rolls.
The Trinamool Congress has consistently opposed the SIR, labeling it a scheme by the BJP and the Union government to enforce the National Register of Citizens in West Bengal.
In contrast, the BJP argues that the Trinamool Congress is resisting the SIR out of concern for the potential removal of names from their "dedicated vote banks (Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators)" from the electoral lists.
During the initial phase of the SIR, booth-level officials are visiting voters' homes with enumeration forms.