Midnapore, January 21: In a scathing attack on the West Bengal government, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh accused the Mamata Banerjee administration of deliberately sabotaging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Speaking exclusively to reporters amid escalating protests across the state, Ghosh claimed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is orchestrating disruptions to prevent a fair electoral roll update.
The SIR process, mandated nationwide by the Election Commission of India, has triggered widespread clashes in Bengal, particularly over Form 7 submissions. BJP workers allege TMC cadres are blocking their access to Block Development Offices (BDOs), leading to violent standoffs in districts like Hooghly’s Mogra. Just a day ago, BJP supporters were reportedly chased away from a BDO office by alleged TMC goons.
‘Why is Bengal the only state witnessing such anarchy during SIR? The staff conducting it and law enforcement are all under state control,’ Ghosh thundered. He insisted that elections should not be announced until the revision is completed transparently. ‘People here have to run to courts for every basic right. Is there a government at all, or has the Constitution been suspended?’
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari echoed these sentiments in the assembly, highlighting the arrest of innocent panchayat members like Amit Mandal for simply filing Form 7. ‘This is an assault on democracy and a mockery of the Election Commission’s authority,’ Adhikari stated.
TMC has countered with its own protests, denying any wrongdoing and accusing BJP of creating unrest to malign the government. As tensions simmer, questions mount over Bengal’s readiness for free and fair polls. The state government’s role in maintaining order during this critical process remains under intense scrutiny, with opposition parties vowing to escalate their fight.