West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a major public assistance initiative aimed at safeguarding voter rights during the ongoing revision of electoral rolls. The move comes as a direct response to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which the CM has sharply criticized.
'May I Help You' Camps: A Safety Net for Voters
Addressing a political rally in Gazole, Malda, on Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee declared that 'May I Help You' camps will be established in every block across the state starting December 12. The primary objective of these camps is to ensure that no legitimate voter is disenfranchised due to a lack of documentation during the SIR.
"We are opening a 'May I Help You' camp in each block for those who are deprived," Banerjee stated. She emphasized that all necessary documents would be provided to citizens at these camps, urging voters to verify their inclusion in the draft list.
Political Battle Over Electoral Roll Revision
The Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of orchestrating the SIR to destabilize her government ahead of assembly elections. She claimed the BJP had "dug its own grave in Bengal" by undertaking what she termed a "disastrous" three-month revision process.
Alleging a political motive, Banerjee said, "Union home minister Amit Shah is getting the SIR done ahead of the assembly elections to shut down the state govt." She vehemently asserted that the BJP's attempts to "capture Bengal" would fail, drawing a historical parallel by stating, "Even the British failed to do so."
Banerjee instructed Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers to collaborate actively with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to assist voters through the process.
Assurances and Allegations of Harassment
The CM issued strong reassurances to the people of Bengal, firmly stating her opposition to any form of detention camps or deportation of genuine Indian citizens. "You won't be pushed out (of the country) and there will be no detention camps. I am your security. I am your protector," she proclaimed.
In a serious allegation, Banerjee cited fatalities linked to the stress of the SIR process. She claimed that 39 people have died in Bengal due to the SIR, with 13 more critically hospitalized and three others attempting suicide. She also mentioned deaths among BLOs in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
"Why are you doing this before the elections? The citizens again have to prove they belong to India?" she questioned, framing the revision as an unnecessary burden on citizens.
The Election Commission is scheduled to publish a draft voters' list on December 16. Following this, voters whose names lack linkage with the 2002 SIR list or whose documents require scrutiny will be summoned for hearings.
