Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced she will move the Supreme Court of India against the alleged “freezing” of electoral rolls, even as she demanded restoration of voting rights for lakhs of citizens left out during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
The West Bengal Chief Minister strongly objected to the exclusion of nearly 91 lakh voters from the rolls and accused the Election Commission of India of denying eligible citizens their democratic rights.
Banerjee made the remarks shortly after filing her nomination from Bhabanipur for the upcoming Assembly elections.
‘Heavy Heart’ Over Mass Deletions
Addressing reporters outside the Survey Building in Kalighat, Banerjee said she filed her nomination “with a heavy heart,” citing the large-scale deletion of voter names.
She pointed out that around 32 lakh voters were reinstated following her earlier intervention in the Supreme Court, but flagged that nearly 58 lakh cases remain unresolved.
“Even if names are restored late, what is the use if people cannot vote in the upcoming elections?” she questioned.
Adjudication Cases Still Pending
Banerjee further highlighted that over 27 lakh voters whose cases are under adjudication are yet to be included in the final electoral rolls.
Referring to court observations, she said those under adjudication have been recognised as genuine voters and should be allowed to exercise their franchise, while others can appeal before tribunals.
“In such a situation, freezing the voter list is beyond understanding. We will again approach the Supreme Court,” she asserted.
Political Stakes High
Despite the controversy, Banerjee exuded confidence about retaining her Bhabanipur seat and leading the All India Trinamool Congress to victory.
“My political journey is deeply connected with Bhabanipur. I urge people to support all TMC candidates. We are confident of forming the government,” she said.
The high-stakes contest also features Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who is contesting from Nandigram.
Notably, Banerjee had lost to Adhikari in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly elections by a narrow margin of just over 1,900 votes—setting the stage for another intense political battle in the state.
