Burdwan, 18 January (H.S.): West Bengal politics is witnessing a fierce confrontation over the special intensive revision (SIR) of the voter list. The issue has not only intensified the exchange of accusations among political parties but has also revealed discontent at the administrative level. In this context, Devu Tudu, former chairman of the East Burdwan Zilla Parishad and a Trinamool Congress leader, has further inflamed the political atmosphere with a controversial statement.

Speaking at a Trinamool Congress meeting held on Sunday at the Bhita High School grounds in Burdwan (1) block, Devu Tudu said that if even a single valid voter's name is removed from the voter list, he will hold BJP leaders responsible. He said, “If voters' names are removed unconstitutionally and illegally, we will not remain silent. If even one valid voter's name is removed, we will beat up the BJP leaders and skin them alive.”

State Minister Swapan Debnath, East Burdwan District Youth Trinamool President Rasbihari Haldar, and other party leaders were also present at the meeting.

Devu Tudu also levelled serious allegations against the Election Commission. He claimed that the commission is working at the behest of the BJP and is deliberately trying to remove voters' names. He directly attacked the Chief Election Commissioner, saying, “The Election Commission has become a broker for the BJP.”

He also slammed the BJP over the increased activity of central investigative agencies before the elections. Referring to the ED raid on the office of I-PAC, the election strategy firm, he said that as soon as elections approach in Bengal, the ED and CBI start their operations. He said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly opposed these actions and has raised the voice of the people of Bengal.

The BJP has reacted sharply to Devu Tudu's statement. BJP's Burdwan organizational district spokesperson, Soumyaraj Bandyopadhyay, said,

“Theft and assault are common practices of the Trinamool Congress. The Trinamool has been running the state in this manner for the past 15 years. Those who issue such threats should first consider whether their own backsides will remain intact.”

Regarding the ED's actions, Soumyaraj Bandyopadhyay said, “Does the police inform a thief before going to arrest him? The ED also doesn't give prior notice before conducting an investigation. Only those who lack even basic understanding would give such arguments.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey