Kolkata, 11 December (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a fierce attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state was being conducted according to the directives of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT Cell.

Addressing an anti-SIR rally in Krishnanagar, Nadia district, the Chief Minister claimed that there was a plan to delete 1.5 crore names from the voters’ list. She warned that if even a single voter’s name was removed, she would sit on a dharna and continue her demonstration until all deleted names were restored. Accusing the BJP of attempting to misuse the SIR exercise for political gain, she asserted that such attempts would not succeed in West Bengal.

During her speech, Banerjee also launched a direct attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, describing him as “dangerous” and alleging that “his eyes reflect how dangerous he is.” She remarked that “one of his eyes represents Duryodhana and the other Dushasana.”

The Chief Minister cautioned that ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, attempts may be made to influence and divide voters by distributing money. She urged people to remain vigilant and not allow such tactics, which she termed the BJP’s “old strategy”.

Referring to the recent incident at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, where two vendors selling chicken patties were allegedly assaulted during a Bhagavad Gita recital event, Banerjee said that no one involved in such acts would be spared in West Bengal. “This is West Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh,” she said.

Reaffirming her government’s stance, Banerjee added that the state would ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of their community or background.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh