Mamata Banerjee Labels SIR Process a Massive Scam to Install BJP in Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on Saturday, declaring the entire Special Summary Revision (SIR) process and the mass deletion of genuine voters as a "big scam" orchestrated with the sole intention of "bringing BJP to office" in the state. Speaking at a rally in Keshiary, she asserted that justice would be delivered by the people against those harassing Bengal's population through SIR.
Details of Voter Deletion and Accusations
Banerjee provided specific figures, stating that among the 90.8 lakh deleted voters, approximately 60 lakh were Hindus, with Muslims largely constituting the remainder. "Voters are being deleted indiscriminately. Remember, out of 90 lakh voters deleted, 60 lakh are Hindus and 30 lakh are Muslims. People are still being made to stand in queues," she said. The CM predicted that it would eventually be proven that SIR was a huge scam, and those torturing people to please their bosses would face justice.
Shift in Political Battle Against Central Institutions
At another rally in Bankura's Barjora, Banerjee shifted the focus, stating that the current fight is not against the BJP but against "Delhi's institutions." "Our fight is not against BJP. They have no one to man booths. They pay Rs 500 to bring people to rallies and use trains to ship people from Bihar. Our fight is against the central govt machinery," she explained. She issued a charge sheet against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP, demanding their resignation if infiltrators voted them into office in 2024. "Who are you to delete voters' names? Who are you to decide on citizenship?" she questioned.
Allegations of EVM Tampering and Welfare Threats
Banerjee further accused the BJP of planning to tamper with electronic voting machines, claiming they had lost the plot. She highlighted concerns about welfare measures, noting reports that those deleted from voters' lists in Bihar might lose rations and have bank accounts frozen. "I will not allow any such thing in Bengal," she firmly stated, pledging to protect citizens' rights.
Strong Opposition to Uniform Civil Code and Other Bills
The CM took a strong stand against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), questioning the BJP's haste in introducing what she termed "dangerous bills." She dismissed the BJP manifesto as "a bunch of lies" and criticized the timing of such legislation during elections. "They table dangerous bills when everyone is busy with elections. You may be able to pass these bills now because you have a majority. But tomorrow, when you lose office, we will abolish all these," Banerjee warned.
She elaborated on the dangers of UCC, stating, "UCC means you will lose the right to practice your religion and faith. It will take away your culture, tradition and education. UCC means the destruction of diversity. They want to make everything homogeneous. We will oppose this with all our might. UCC is dangerous."
Questioning Women's Reservation and Delimitation Bills
Banerjee also questioned the real intent behind the women's reservation bill, pointing out that 37% of elected members in Parliament are already women, with 50% representation in panchayats and municipalities. "You have nothing. Women are afraid in BJP-governed states. They push a fake narrative that women are unsafe," she said, citing cases like Unnao and Bilkis to challenge the BJP's stance.
Additionally, she announced opposition to the delimitation bill, alleging it is a ploy to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and divide Bengal. "They are tabling the delimitation bill at the time of polls. This is a ploy to implement NRC. They want to divide Bengal," she alleged, reinforcing her commitment to safeguarding the state's integrity.
