NewKerala.com

Key Points

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns over the Election Commission of India's new electoral roll revision guidelines, released ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. She suspects the guidelines might be a prelude to implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and believes they target West Bengal more than Bihar. Banerjee criticizes the guidelines for requiring extensive documentation, arguing that many citizens may lack the necessary papers. She underscores the need for broader consultation with political parties before implementing such significant changes.

Key Points: Mamata Banerjee Criticizes ECI Guidelines Ahead of Bihar Elections

  • Mamata Banerjee questions ECI's new voter guidelines before Bihar polls
  • She fears these changes hint at NRC implementation
  • Claims guidelines target West Bengal, not Bihar
  • Criticizes lack of consultation with political parties
2 min read

Mamata Banerjee questions ECI's new electoral roll revision guidelines before Bihar polls

Mamata Banerjee questions ECI's electoral roll changes, suggesting a hidden NRC agenda, impacting West Bengal.

"Actually, the Union government, through ECI, is targeting West Bengal, keeping Bihar as a shield. - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, June 26

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday, questioned the fresh electoral roll revision guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) before the forthcoming Assembly elections in Bihar scheduled this year.

She also expressed apprehension that these fresh guidelines might be another step towards the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

She further claimed that although these fresh guidelines have been issued before the Bihar assembly polls, the main target of these new guidelines is West Bengal, which is also going for crucial assembly polls next year.

The Chief Minister specially questioned the new guidelines that bar enrolment in the voters' list without specific citizenship proof, mandatory furnishing of the place of birth for those whose names were not there in the voters' list in 2003, mandatory furnishing of documents on places and dates of birth for those before July 1, 1987, and submission of related documents of parents for those born after July 1, 1987.

"Actually, the Union government, through ECI, is targeting West Bengal, keeping Bihar as a shield. A BJP alliance government is already in Bihar. They will not do anything there. They are actually trying to target West Bengal and migrant workers. The commission is acting on the directions of the BJP," said the Chief Minister.

She was in Digha in the East Midnapore district to participate in the Ratha Yatra festival of the newly inaugurated Lord Jagannath.

The temple, however, is officially termed as Shree Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre.

She said that the ECI should not have issued these fresh electoral roll revision guidelines without consulting the different registered political parties in the country.

"India is a democratic nation. The system of federal democracy prevails here," the Chief Minister said.

She said that the new guideline, which makes it mandatory for those born after July 1, 1987, to submit the birth-related documents of their parents, is an absurd proposition.

"It is not necessary that everyone has all birth-related documents of their parents. Even I am not quite sure of the exact dates of birth of my parents," the Chief Minister said.

Thereafter, she claimed that she had doubts that, using these fresh guidelines, the Union government was once again proceeding towards the implementation of NRC.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Mamata ji raises valid concerns. In a country where many don't have proper documentation, making birth certificates mandatory will exclude genuine voters. ECI should find a balanced approach that doesn't disenfranchise common people.
P
Priya M.
Why is everything seen through political lens? Clean voter lists are essential for fair elections. Many states have implemented similar measures without issues. West Bengal shouldn't be treated as exception. 🇮🇳
A
Amit S.
As someone from Bihar, I find it strange that Didi is making this about Bengal when the guidelines are for our state's elections first. Every state's electoral integrity matters equally.
S
Sunita R.
The timing is suspicious, no? Just before elections in two key states. ECI should have consulted all parties before such major changes. Democracy works best when institutions remain neutral.
V
Vikram J.
While I support clean electoral rolls, asking for parents' birth documents is impractical. My father was born in a village where records weren't maintained properly. How can I provide what doesn't exist? 🤔
N
Neha P.
Interesting that she raised this during Ratha Yatra. Mixing religion and politics again? The guidelines may need review, but let's not make everything about Bengal vs Center. India is bigger than any one state.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50