Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission of Bias Against Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made serious allegations against the Election Commission of India on Friday. She claimed the commission is refusing to accept certificates issued by the Bengal government. This comes just a day after the ECI stated that Madhyamik admit cards cannot serve as valid age proof for the Summary Revision of electoral rolls.
"Is the ECI Here Only to Favour BJP?"
Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport and later in Siliguri, Banerjee posed a direct question. "Is the Election Commission of India here only to favour BJP?" she demanded. The Chief Minister described the current situation as "dangerous" for democracy in the state.
Banerjee explained that Bengal has traditionally accepted school certificates as proof of birth. "Everyone knows we accept school certificates as birth certificates," she stated. "This is because not everyone was born in institutions. Now suddenly they say to open a new chapter after two months. That cannot be done."
Multiple Documents Being Rejected
The Chief Minister listed several documents that she says are being unfairly rejected:
- Aadhaar cards, despite Supreme Court directives
- Domicile certificates accepted everywhere else
- Various community certificates
"I heard that in Malda, notices are being sent to 90,000 people from a community," Banerjee revealed. "Names of Adivasis, Matuas and Rajbanshis have also been deleted. Names of both Bengalis and non-Bengalis have also been deleted."
Warning About Voter Exclusion
Banerjee issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of these actions. "So who will finally vote?" she asked. "The Commission, the home minister and BJP together? If that's the case, there won't be even 1% of voters left in Bengal."
The Chief Minister vowed to continue her fight despite legal pressures. "Some people are saying that I will be sent to jail for 10 years," she said, referring to recent ED searches at I-PAC properties. "I am not afraid to go to jail. I am ready to sacrifice my life for my people."
Constantly Changing Directives
Banerjee criticized what she called constantly changing directives from the Election Commission. "It's happening through WhatsApp," she claimed. "Almost 200 notices came in the last 2 months. BLOs are working under tremendous pressure. Almost 100 people died."
The Supreme Court is expected to hear Trinamool Congress's plea against the Summary Revision of electoral rolls on Monday. Banerjee expressed confidence in the judicial process while maintaining her commitment to public service.
Siliguri's New Shiva Temple Project Launched
On the same day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for a major new religious and tourism project in Siliguri. The "Mahakal Mahatirtha" Shiv Temple is envisioned as a future international destination comparable to Jagannath Dham and Durga Angan.
Temple Specifications and Timeline
The temple will be constructed in Matigara's Laxmi Township area on 17.41 acres of allocated land. Key features include:
- A 216-foot Mahakal idol with a 108-foot bronze figure atop a 108-foot base
- Capacity for up to 100,000 daily visitors
- Visibility from the main road
"Land filling will begin immediately," officials confirmed. The construction is expected to take approximately two to two and a half years. When completed, this temple complex is projected to rank among the world's largest Shiva temples, potentially boosting tourism in the Siliguri region significantly.
