Mamata Banerjee Questions Why Bengal Faces Unique 'Logical Discrepancy' in SIR Exercise
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday raised serious concerns about the ongoing Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) exercise, questioning why her state appears to be the only one facing what she termed as "logical discrepancy" issues. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kolkata Book Fair, the CM expressed frustration over what she perceives as targeted scrutiny.
Poetic Protest Against SIR Harassment
During her address, Banerjee released a collection of her own poems that vividly capture the pains and harassment associated with the SIR process. She revealed that she has written 26 poems specifically addressing the challenges citizens face during electoral roll revisions, using creative expression to highlight bureaucratic hurdles.
Personal Anecdotes Highlight Documentation Challenges
The Chief Minister shared personal experiences to illustrate how the Election Commission's strict documentation requirements can be impractical for many Indians. "When I discovered my actual date of birth, my father had already passed away," Banerjee recounted, explaining she had already completed her Madhyamik examinations by then.
She emphasized that historical record-keeping was often imperfect, stating: "There was neither time nor any way to change it. I accepted what was there. You all understand that sometimes dates were recorded incorrectly." Banerjee cautiously added that she wasn't elaborating further to avoid potential electoral consequences, despite possessing her educational documents.
Name Variations and Family Documentation Issues
Banerjee highlighted another common problem: name variations across languages. "If I write Mamata Banerjee in English and Mamata Bandopadhyay in Bengali, my name will be deleted," she said, comparing it to the Rabindranath Thakur/Tagore distinction.
She also addressed questions about family structures: "Someone was asked how five children can have the same parents. 'Hum Do, Hamare Do' is a new concept; it was not the case earlier." The CM noted that many Indians lack precise birth records for themselves or their parents, having been "born at home" without formal documentation.
In a surprising revelation, Banerjee claimed: "Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee once told me that he was not born on December 25," suggesting even prominent leaders have inaccurate official records.
Criticism of EC Summons to Bengal Luminaries
The Chief Minister strongly criticized the Election Commission's decision to summon distinguished Bengal personalities including Nobel laureate Amartya Sen and poet Joy Goswami over "logical discrepancy" issues.
"What could be more shameful than asking Amartya Sen about the age difference between his parents?" Banerjee questioned indignantly. "Poet Joy Goswami was also summoned. I visited a clinic on Wednesday and all eight people working there have been summoned."
She accused authorities of "trying to take away people's voting rights" and called for widespread protest. "Everyone should protest. If my neighbour is in trouble, I cannot live in peace. People like Amartya Sen and Joy Goswami touch everyone's lives," she asserted.
Concerns About Electoral Process and Human Cost
Banerjee expressed concern about the changing nature of electoral oversight: "Earlier it was not the Election Commission but the people who decided who would come to office. Now, the commission is deciding in advance who will be brought in."
The CM highlighted the human cost of the SIR process, stating: "One hundred and ten people died due to SIR." She urged fair attendees to remember those enduring long queues: "While enjoying this fair, we should also remember the ordeal of people who are standing in queues for more than five hours every day."
Practical Advice and Personal Experiences
Despite her criticisms, Banerjee offered practical advice to citizens receiving SIR notices: "If your name is not on the list, please go and seek help. You can even send someone on your authorisation." She encouraged participation in the hearings while acknowledging the system's flaws.
The Chief Minister also shared personal experiences with central agencies, recalling: "I did two exhibitions, for which I had to encounter the CBI despite the fact that I gave away the entire amount to NGOs and the government to help poor people." She described this as an insult, suggesting even her charitable activities faced undue scrutiny.
Banerjee's remarks at the Kolkata Book Fair underscore growing tensions between state authorities and election officials over the SIR exercise, with particular focus on how documentation requirements affect ordinary citizens and prominent figures alike in West Bengal.
