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West Bengal Crisis: Mamata's Voter Protection Plea Amid SIR Controversy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for protecting every genuine voter's democratic rights. Her statement comes amid controversy over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has blamed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for a voter's suicide linked to the SIR process. The political tension highlights concerns about voter protection during electoral roll revisions.

Key Points: Mamata Banerjee Demands Protection for Genuine Voters

  • Mamata Banerjee emphasizes protecting genuine voters during electoral roll revision
  • TMC blames Amit Shah for suicide linked to SIR and NRC anxiety
  • Abhishek Banerjee visits family of deceased voter Pradeep Kar
  • Election Commission's SIR Phase-2 covers 12 states with February 2026 deadline
2 min read

Every genuine voter should be protected: CM Mamata Banerjee after SIR Phase-2 announcement

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee calls for voter protection amid SIR controversy, while TMC blames Amit Shah for suicide linked to electoral roll revision.

"We don't want any divide and rule, and every person's democratic right, every genuine voter, should be properly protected. - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, October 29

After the Election Commission announced the Phase-two of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that they do not want any divide and rule, asserting that every "genuine voter" should be protected.

"... We don't want any divide and rule, and every person's democratic right, every genuine voter, should be properly protected. The biggest pillars of democracy are the judiciary and the media. Keep these strong. This includes Gandhiji's fight, Netaji's fight... I want to say what the greatest religion is: humanity... If all five fingers were together...," CM Mamata Banerjee said in her speech here.

Earlier today, TMC National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee blamed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the death of Pradeep Kar, who allegedly took his own life due to anxiety over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

He said that Kar's suicide note claimed SIR and NRC were responsible for his death, sparking widespread outrage.

Banerjee visited Kar's family and demanded action against Shah and Kumar, holding them accountable for his death.

"...You all know the incident that happened yesterday in the name of SIR, and you all know about what happened today in Dinhata. If anyone is to be held responsible for this, it is the Chief Election Commissioner. SIR was announced two days ago, and two lives have been lost in the last 48 hours. Today, I have come to Pradeep Kar's house. He has written in the suicide note that SIR and NRC are responsible for my death, so if anyone is responsible for this, it is the Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar...," said Abhishek Banerjee.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will conduct the second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said on Monday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very sad to hear about Pradeep Kar's death. The government needs to ensure that election processes don't create such anxiety among common citizens. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
A
Arjun K
While I agree that genuine voters should be protected, I'm concerned about the political blame game happening here. The Election Commission should be allowed to do its work independently without political pressure from any side.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Kolkata, I've seen how tense the political atmosphere has become. The focus should be on ensuring every legitimate voter gets their right, not on political point-scoring. Hope the process remains peaceful.
V
Vikram M
The timing of SIR is questionable. Why create panic among people? The government should focus on development work rather than creating unnecessary tension through such exercises.
K
Kavya N
Democracy is indeed about protecting every citizen's rights. But all parties should work together to ensure the electoral process is smooth and doesn't cause distress to ordinary people. Jai Hind! 🙏

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