Mamata Banerjee Condemns SIR as Amit Shah's Strategic Move to Overthrow Bengal Government

Mamata Banerjee delivered a scathing critique of Home Minister Amit Shah during her rally in Malda today.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state represents a "clever ploy" by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to overthrow her 14-year-old Trinamool Congress government. Speaking at a public gathering in the northern border district of Malda, Banerjee confidently asserted that such attempts would ultimately fail.

The Chief Minister warned that the BJP is "digging its own grave" by implementing the voter list review so close to the Assembly elections. "They cannot take over Bengal. People of Bengal will never support you. Bengal is different from Bihar," she declared emphatically.

Banerjee criticized the Election Commission's "hasty" decision to conduct SIR in Bengal, claiming it has created fear among residents. "We have not said we are against SIR or Census. But it needs time. You are desperate to do it during the elections. You are behaving like zamindars. In Bengal, 39 people have lost their lives due to SIR, 13 are battling death in hospitals, and three have attempted suicide. Why the hurry for SIR? To overwhelm the state government and derail its development plan ahead of the polls," she questioned.

Describing herself as a "watchman" for Bengal's citizens, Banerjee offered reassurance, particularly to women: "I am assuring the women and sisters of Malda, do not worry, no one will need to go to the detention camp. I am guarding you." She added that her party is establishing helpdesks to assist those excluded from voter lists during the SIR process.

In a direct attack on the BJP, Banerjee accused "communal forces" of attempting to divide people. "We brought resolutions in the Assembly and lodged a case in the Supreme Court against the Waqf law. Till I am there, I will not allow anyone to touch these places. I will not allow the politics of religion. I love all religions."

The Chief Minister challenged the BJP's right to "teach Hindutva" to her, highlighting her government's accomplishments: "We have built the Jagannath temple in Digha and skywalks at Kalighat Temple and Dakhineswar. We are setting up a Durga Angan and building a Mahakal temple. What have you done?"

Using colorful language, Banerjee compared the BJP to a "bed bug" that "bite till you remove them. They must be removed politically so Bengal is no longer harmed." She emphasized to the Malda gathering that her visit was not campaign-related: "I have not come to ask for votes. I have come to stand by you. Do not be afraid. No one will go to a detention camp. Your names will not be dropped. Bengal will remain safe."

Last month, after Banerjee requested Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to halt the SIR in Bengal, Home Minister Shah responded by suggesting certain parties were protecting infiltrators. "Preventing infiltration is not only necessary for the security of the country, but also essential to protect our democratic system from being corrupted. Unfortunately, some political parties are opposing the 'ghuspaithiya hatao' campaign and the voter list purification drive being carried out by the Election Commission under SIR," he stated, without specifically naming any political party.