Mamata Banerjee Claims 1.20 Crore Names May Face Deletion After SIR In West Bengal

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that about 1.2 crore voters names may be deleted following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State. The final rolls are likely to be published by the Election Commission of India on Saturday.

What did Bengal CM say?

While addressing a programme in Bhabanipur constituency, where she inaugurated several projects virtually, Mamata Banerjee said that "at least 80 lakh names must have been deleted under logical discrepancies."

"SIR is underway. Many lost their voting rights. I'm sad. First, around 58 lakh names were deleted. Later 80 lakhs, instead of 50 lakhs, were marked hideously in the name of logical discrepancies which never existed in the rules,” Banerjee said.

"If we exclude the 20 lakh dead voters, the total number of deletions will stand at 1.2 crore as on February 28," the Bengal Chief Minister said. 

While referring to the 58 lakh names which were deleted following the draft roll publication, she said, "Initially, 58 lakh names were deleted. Then, in a clandestine manner, in the name of logical discrepancies, 1.2 crore names were deleted. There were no such rules," Banerjee claimed.

What did Banerjee say about Supreme Court decision?

Just three days ahead of the publication of the final electoral roll by the Election Commission, Mamata Banerjee said, "I personally fought it out in the Supreme Court. My petition is still pending. But many days have passed since the order. I don't know what will happen after the final list is out on February 28."

While questioning the fate of the final voters’ list, the Chief Minister alleged that work had not begun despite the Supreme Court’s direction to depute judicial officers to examine the discrepancy cases. 

“Even after February 14 as per SC rules, these Chhupa Rustam dropped 1.20 crore names hideously. The logins are with them. I want humanity for humans. I don't need to judge anyone by their religion or political affiliation,” she said.

Banerjee also expressed concern over who may find their names missing in the final list and said that she opposed removal of any genuine voter’s name.

“I am not sure how disheartened the voters, whose names are dropped from the final electoral roll would feel. I pray for them so that their voting rights are not snatched. Names were dropped even after the voters submitted documents (during hearing),” Banerjee claimed.