Mamata credits TMC for voter list inclusions, urges EC to release final SIR data

If around 30 lakh of the over 60 lakh names under adjudication as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, it would be to the credit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday (March 26).

Addressing a TMC rally in Birbhum district, further stated that it was still not clear whose names have been deleted from the adjudication list, she asked the Election Commission to "come out with the final list if they have the guts."

"It is to our credit if 29 to 30 lakh of the over 60 lakh names under adjudication find themselves in the list... It is because of our campaign and fight that these names would be on the list. But I want 100 per cent names to appear on the list as they are all genuine voters," she said.

Banerjee said that TMC's lawyers will help those not on the list fight their cases before the tribunals set up for the purpose.

Slams BJP over SIR

She accused the saffron party of harassing people over the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demonetisation.

The CM urged the Election Commission to publish the complete list detailing the logical discrepancies for over 60 lakh people.

Also Read: West Bengal elections: Mamata accuses Centre, EC of ‘snatching voting rights’

Claiming that it is still not clear whose names have been deleted from the adjudication list, she asked the Election Commission to "come out with the final list if they have the guts." Banerjee said that she will ensure that those who do not find their names on the list appeal before the tribunal.

Public appeal and political messaging

"Do you want to stand in queues again or derail the BJP?" she asked, while addressing the public rally. The TMC supremo pointed out that people had to stand in queues over demonetisation, procuring the Aadhhar card and the SIR exercise.

Also Read: TMC urges EC to remove Bhabanipur returning officer, claims he has 'links' with BJP

Banerjee claimed that in BJP-ruled states, restrictions are being imposed on eating non-vegetarian food.

"If you speak the Bengali language, you will be branded as Bangladeshi," the TMC supremo said, claiming that atrocities on this count were fought against by her only before the courts.

Welfare promises and electoral stakes

The chief minister said that if the people want the doles to continue, then they should vote for the TMC in this election.

Also Read: 'Centre trying to snatch voting rights through SIR,' says Mamata

"Elections will come and go, it's an affair of one month, but after that? There is no party other than the Trinamool Congress which can come to power in West Bengal or remain at the helm," she said.

She said that the TMC, if it comes back to power, will never allow the NRC and let anyone be taken to detention camps.

EC data and timeline

The Chief Minister’s remarks come days after the Election Commission (EC) released the first supplementary list of 'Under Adjudication' voters on Monday, but did not officially disclose the number of deletions or the precise figure of cases disposed of in that list.

A top EC official in Kolkata said on Wednesday that 32 lakh 'Under Adjudication' cases have been disposed of so far, and around 28 lakh names remain to be cleared by judicial officers.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held on April 23 and 29, while votes will be counted on May 4.

(With agency inputs)