Mamata Banerjee Condemns Voter Deletion in Bengal, Pledges to Uphold Democratic Rights
In a powerful address on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing critique of the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls process in the state, alleging widespread deletion of genuine voters' names from electoral lists. Speaking in Kolkata, Banerjee framed her fight as a defense of fundamental democratic rights for every citizen.
"I Fight for Loktantra for All"
"My struggle is to safeguard the democratic rights of every single voter, without any discrimination based on language, religion, or political affiliation," declared the Chief Minister. "I am fighting for the protection of loktantra for everyone. I make no distinctions between electors on these grounds. If any legitimate voter, regardless of party preference, finds their name removed through the SIR process, I will champion their cause."
Banerjee revealed alarming statistics, stating that 58 lakh names have already been deleted through the SIR process, with another 80 lakh potentially facing removal due to what she termed "logical discrepancies." She described the entire procedure as fundamentally flawed and reminded attendees that she has challenged it legally.
Supreme Court Challenge and February Deadline
"I contested this defective process in the Supreme Court. The petition remains pending. The court issued a separate order five days ago, but I cannot confirm if anything has changed or whether these unlawful deletions can be halted," Banerjee explained.
Expressing deep concern about the scheduled publication of the final SIR list on February 28, she added, "I cannot predict how many genuine voters will be excluded. It pains me to think about them. But I reaffirm my commitment: I will protest and fight for every elector with valid documentation."
Addressing a Diverse Constituency
The Chief Minister delivered these remarks after inaugurating a Jain Manastambha and the Sant Kutia Gurdwara Gate in Bhowanipore, where she also virtually launched and laid foundation stones for multiple state projects. These included:
- A new police station in Howrah
- A G+5 building at the Tollygunge fire station
- Distribution of 12.5 lakh cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme
- Induction of 100 fire bikes and 100 CNG buses
- Foundation stone laying for a minority cultural centre in New Town
Addressing the diverse gathering, Banerjee described Bhowanipore as a microcosm of India. "Bhowanipore resembles a miniature India, where people from all communities coexist and celebrate every festival together. I stand with you during joyous occasions and in times of adversity. Though my schedule may prevent me from attending every celebration, remember that I am always with you when needed," she assured.
Spiritual Appeal and Final Message
Banerjee shared that she had prayed before the newly inaugurated Manastambha for no genuine voter to be excluded from the rolls. "I pray for justice to triumph. If my prayers are answered, I will return here to bow before this sacred structure," she stated emotionally.
Concluding her address on a poignant note, the Chief Minister offered a simple yet powerful appeal: "Jeeo aur jeene do — live and let live. May no legitimate voter be deprived of their democratic right."
