Mamata Banerjee's Malda Rally Highlights Widespread Voter List Deletions
In a dramatic display at a political rally in Enayetpur, Malda, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conducted an impromptu survey that revealed a startling reality. When she asked the crowd how many had been struck off the voters' list following the Systematic Inclusion of Residents (SIR) process, nearly 60% of attendees raised their hands. This random sampling, captured on video as per Banerjee's instructions, set a fiery campaign tone as she accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of making "a mockery of democracy."
Banerjee's Direct Challenge to Amit Shah
Thundering from the stage, Banerjee posed a critical question: "If everyone's voting rights are taken away, who will cast the votes?" She dared Union Home Minister Amit Shah to hold a rally at Enayetpur, located approximately 40 kilometers from Kaliachak, to face the people affected by these deletions. The CM alleged that Shah "instructs people to delete Muslim names from everywhere" and should confront those whose names have been wrongfully removed.
To bolster confidence among the populace, Banerjee later led a substantial 3-kilometer-long rally from Malda College Ground to English Bazar. This public march underscored her commitment to addressing voter rights issues firsthand.
Allegations of Selective Deletion and Violence
Banerjee's outburst followed her decision to survey the rally attendees about voter list deletions. She claimed that BJP leaders from Delhi have selectively deleted voters from minority, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. In her speech, she alleged, "More than 250 people have died due to SIR… BJP's only religion is to incite violence. They kill people in the name of religion."
She further accused Shah, whom she referred to as "Mota Bhai," of wanting to sell Bengal, take away voting rights, create division among administrative officials, and torture citizens. "Those who have come to office by instigating riots will never understand the problems people face," Banerjee stated, urging a democratic revenge against such actions.
Addressing Factionalism and Instilling Confidence
Over the last four days, Banerjee has addressed 10 rallies in Malda alone, including events at Malatipur and Gazole. During these gatherings, she aimed to instill confidence not only among voters but also among Trinamool Congress party workers concerned about factionalism in the district. In a rally through the congested areas of English Bazar, attended by all Trinamool councillors, she warned against provocation, stating that BJP seeks to create trouble and get 30-40 people arrested from every area.
"Innocent people are being arrested in Malda," she claimed, alleging that agencies like NIA, CBI, ED, BSF, and CISF are under Shah's control. Banerjee countered BJP's accusations by saying, "Mota Bhai calls us thieves, but where does the money from the borders go? You brand people as infiltrators for speaking in Bengali. You [BJP] are the biggest infiltrators. They come here during polls to capture votes by force."
Details on Voter Deletions and Legal Actions
Banerjee provided specific numbers regarding voter list issues, alleging that AI has been used to delete 58 lakh voters, a chapter she claims is yet to be fully exposed. She noted that 60 lakh voters are under adjudication, all of whom she asserts are genuine voters. Out of these, 22 lakh have been retained after her interventions, including a sit-in protest and a Supreme Court fight.
She advised those wrongfully deleted to apply before the tribunal rather than approaching judges personally. Referring to Kaliachak, Banerjee alleged that two communal parties had gheraoed a judge in Malda and fled, adding that every "voice of dissent" is being choked. She reported that 40 to 50 local youths have been arrested by NIA, harassing communities, but emphasized, "it is not possible to silence the voice of people. Voting is your constitutional right."
Warnings on EVMs and Vigilance
The CM issued a stern warning about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), noting they are "manufactured by the Centre." She urged voters to check EVMs carefully, ensuring the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is present. "Be very careful from the day of polling till counting. If needed, stay awake at night and keep vigil," she advised, highlighting concerns over electoral integrity.
Banerjee's rally in Malda has intensified the political discourse in West Bengal, focusing on voter rights, alleged deletions, and democratic processes as the state gears up for upcoming elections.
