Trinamool Congress MP Calls for Resistance Against BJP's Voter List Revision in Bengal

Kolkata:

Trinamool Congress MP from Bengal, Abhishek Banerjee, has called for an intense confrontation with the BJP regarding the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in the state, where assembly elections are scheduled for next year. He delivered a direct message to party workers and supporters, instructing them to strongly resist any requests for birth certificates.

"If local BJP leaders enter your neighborhood, surround them and demand to see their father's and grandfather's certificates when they come to campaign," he stated.

"Tell them to bring their certificates before allowing them to campaign. Keep them restrained until then. Tie them to trees and posts but avoid physical violence. I advocate for peace. Instruct them to produce their certificates before releasing them. First, show the certificates that Amit Shah and your (the BJP's) government is requiring us to show," he added.

The Trinamool Congress, which previously passed a resolution in the state assembly opposing the National Registry of Citizens, has also adopted a firm stance against the Special Revision, aligning with other Opposition parties in viewing it as a strategy to disenfranchise their supporters.

Trinamool leader and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already expressed concerns that providing birth certificates could be challenging for citizens, particularly the elderly, as many were born at home.

The situation has intensified following the Election Commission's announcement two days ago about implementing SIR nationwide.

However, the Commission has clarified that not everyone will need to present birth certificates.

Birth certificates represent just one of twelve supporting documents - including Aadhaar - and voters who couldn't be connected to previous SIR Electoral Rolls need only provide one document to establish their identity.

Nevertheless, with Bengal's assembly elections approaching and the state being a long-coveted prize for the BJP, the Trinamool Congress anticipates significant conflict over the Special Revision.

Abhishek Banerjee's statements came after he visited the family of Pradeep Kar, a 57-year-old man who allegedly committed suicide due to fears about SIR and the purported NRC exercise.

Directly connecting Kar's death to the SIR, Banerjee stated, "Kar died due to anxiety over NRC and SIR. An FIR should be filed against Shah and Kumar."

He blamed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for creating a "climate of panic" and questioned whether they could produce the same documents they're demanding from ordinary citizens.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of instilling fear and "weaponizing NRC."