West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, alleging that attempts were being made to include “outsiders” in Bengal’s electoral rolls through Form 6 applications. Addressing a public rally in Nanur, Birbhum, she said the Supreme Court of India had delivered a “strong verdict” against such practices.
“They were bringing in outsiders using Form 6. The Supreme Court has made it clear that this will not be tolerated,” Mamata said, expressing satisfaction over the court’s intervention.
Questioning the role of the Election Commission (EC), the Chief Minister alleged selective deletion of names from voter lists. “Names were being removed selectively—as if they were picking out lice. I personally approached the Supreme Court and managed to get 22 lakh names reinstated,” she claimed, adding that further legal steps would be taken to restore more names.
Urging people not to be intimidated, the TMC supremo encouraged those whose names are under review to reapply. “We will bear the expenses; you only need to submit the applications,” she said.
Mamata also took a swipe at political opponents, asserting that the presence of “outsiders” would not influence electoral outcomes. “Everyone here belongs to Bengal. No matter how many outsiders you bring, the BJP’s tally will remain zero. Observers do not vote, people do,” she remarked.
The Chief Minister further criticised the EC over alleged work pressure during elections, claiming that over 225 people had lost their lives during the SIR process in Bengal. “How many more lives will you claim? Have you no shame?” she asked.
Turning her focus to national issues, Mamata also attacked the Centre over rising fuel prices and the ongoing crisis in West Asia. She warned that essential commodities could become scarce after the elections and accused the government of undermining democratic institutions.
The rally was held at the Al-Amin Model School grounds in Papuri village, where Mamata campaigned for Nanur candidate Bidhan Chandra Majhi. The visit marked her return to Nanur after 17 years—her last visit being in 2009 during a memorial for victims of the Suchpur massacre.
Recalling the 2000 incident, in which 11 farm labourers were killed, Mamata spoke about her visit to the area as the then Leader of the Opposition and how it influenced her welfare initiatives. She reiterated her government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, announcing financial assistance of Rs 4,000 for farm labourers.
“The game is on. This time, it will be a fierce contest,” she declared, signalling an aggressive political battle ahead.
Meanwhile, the absence of the district’s key TMC leaders, including Anubrata Mondal and Birbhum Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Fayjul Haque (Kajal Sheikh), from recent campaign events has drawn attention within political circles.
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