Mamata Banerjee : Slams Centre Over SIR Deaths on Netaji Anniversary
Mamata Banerjee: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp political and administrative attack on the central government, holding it accountable for the alleged loss of lives during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the state. Speaking at a public programme organised to pay tribute to freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 129th birth anniversary, Banerjee blended historical remembrance with contemporary political criticism, intensifying the ongoing Centre–state confrontation.
Tribute to Netaji and Revival of a Historic Slogan
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s iconic slogan “Dilli Chalo,” linking it to what she described as the present struggle for democracy and constitutional rights. She stated that Netaji’s ideals of freedom, dignity, and self-respect remain relevant even today and should guide the nation during times of political and institutional challenges.
Banerjee asserted that Bose envisioned an India where democratic institutions function independently and citizens are treated with fairness. According to her, invoking Netaji’s slogan was symbolic of raising voices against what she termed as injustice and administrative insensitivity.
Demand for National Holiday on Netaji’s Birth Anniversary
The Chief Minister accused the ruling party at the Centre of distorting India’s freedom movement history and undermining the legacy of iconic leaders. She reiterated her long-standing demand that January 23, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, be declared a national holiday.
She expressed disappointment that despite Bose’s immense contribution to India’s independence, his birthday has not received the status of a national holiday. Banerjee also pointed out that while the country is aware of Netaji’s birth date, questions surrounding his death remain unresolved, adding to the historical neglect of his legacy.
Allegations Against SIR Process and Election Authorities
Shifting focus to the ongoing electoral roll revision exercise, Banerjee criticised the Special Intensive Revision process conducted in West Bengal. She alleged that the exercise has caused immense hardship to ordinary citizens, particularly elderly and vulnerable individuals.
According to her claims, several people lost their lives during the SIR process due to stress, repeated hearings, and administrative pressure. She cited instances where senior citizens were allegedly forced to appear for hearings under severe medical conditions, including a case involving a 90-year-old woman who reportedly arrived in an ambulance while on oxygen support.
Netaji’s Family Dragged Into Electoral Dispute
The Chief Minister further alleged that members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s family were not spared during the SIR exercise. She claimed that Chandra Kumar Bose, a member of Netaji’s family, was served a notice for a hearing related to logical discrepancies in electoral data.
Banerjee questioned the rationale behind issuing such notices and urged people to raise their voices against what she described as an insensitive and flawed system. She openly criticised the Election Commission of India, accusing it of failing to safeguard citizens’ rights during the revision process.
Data Discrepancies and Supreme Court Intervention
The controversy intensified after the Electoral Roll Officers’ Network portal reportedly flagged over 1.2 crore names under the logical discrepancy category in West Bengal. This revelation sparked widespread political debate and public concern over the transparency and execution of the SIR exercise.
Following directions from the Supreme Court, the Election Commission instructed the state’s Chief Electoral Officer to publicly display lists of individuals marked under logical discrepancy and unmapped categories. These lists were to be displayed at Gram Panchayat Bhawans, block offices, taluka-level offices, and urban ward offices by January 24, aiming to ensure greater transparency and public awareness.
Political Heat Ahead of Assembly Elections
The developments come at a crucial time as West Bengal gears up for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. Political temperatures are rising, with the Mamata Banerjee-led government preparing to defend its position against a determined opposition.
The SIR controversy has emerged as a significant electoral issue, adding to existing debates over governance, federalism, and institutional autonomy. With emotional appeals tied to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy and allegations of administrative lapses, the political narrative in the state is expected to intensify further in the coming months.