Kolkata, 21 March (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Centre and the BJP while participating in Eid celebrations at Red Road in Kolkata.

Addressing thousands of people after Eid prayers, the Chief Minister alleged that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the Assembly elections was an attempt to deprive people of their voting rights. She said her party would not allow any move that could weaken democratic rights or disenfranchise genuine voters.

Banerjee said the All India Trinamool Congress would continue its fight to protect democracy and the constitutional rights of citizens. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said any attempt to undermine the rights of the people of the state would be strongly opposed.

The Chief Minister also claimed that several names had been deleted from the voters’ list during the revision process. She said her party had already approached the Calcutta High Court and later the Supreme Court of India over the issue.

The Trinamool Congress has alleged that the exercise was aimed at influencing the electoral process, particularly by targeting voters in minority-dominated areas. Banerjee also accused the BJP of trying to divide society for political gains, claiming that some individuals were being influenced to split votes.

Highlighting Bengal’s tradition of communal harmony, she said the state has always stood for unity among communities and would not allow any attempts to create social divisions. She added that people from all religions — Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians — have coexisted peacefully in the state.

The annual Eid congregation at Red Road is considered one of the largest such gatherings in eastern India and often assumes political significance during election years. With the state heading for a crucial Assembly election, the Trinamool Congress is aiming for a fourth consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking to expand its political base in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh