Kolkata, January 20. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh fired sharp criticism at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday, accusing the ruling party of creating hurdles in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of West Bengal’s voter lists. Speaking amid rising concerns over voter verification, Ghosh urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing that the entire exercise must proceed with complete transparency.
Ghosh highlighted the flip-flopping on accepting secondary school admit cards as age proof. ‘This document was once valid, then invalidated, and now reinstated following Supreme Court orders,’ he noted. Such repeated changes, he argued, are sowing confusion among voters who must resubmit the same papers multiple times.
‘People shouldn’t worry; this has happened before,’ Ghosh reassured. He pointed to specific instances, like one polling booth where 350 notices were issued despite BJP receiving around 450 votes there. ‘This raises serious questions and fears among ordinary folks,’ he added.
Responding to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee’s remarks on SIR, Ghosh reiterated BJP’s stance: only genuine, eligible voters should remain on the lists. Those lacking proper documents must be weeded out, but without harassing the public. He alleged that TMC is actively obstructing the smooth conduct of SIR.
Ghosh expressed alarm over reports of attacks on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BJP workers across various locations. ‘Not just BLOs, but our party workers and even those filing complaints are being assaulted. How can fair elections happen in such chaos?’ he questioned.
Despite these challenges, Ghosh acknowledged the Election Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure clean and impartial polls. As political tensions simmer ahead of future elections, the SIR process remains a flashpoint in West Bengal’s charged political landscape.