With the final SIR list set to be published on February 28, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday voiced concern that many genuine voters could see their names deleted from the electoral rolls, post-SIR.
Addressing a gathering in Bhowanipore, Banerjee said her fight was for every elector. "I am fighting for the protection of democracy for all. I don't differentiate between electors based on their language, religion, or party. If the name of any genuine elector, irrespective of party preference, gets deleted in the SIR process, I will fight for their right," she said, TOI reported.
She alleged that 58 lakh names had already been deleted under the SIR process. Another 80 lakh, she claimed, could face deletion due to 'logical discrepancies'. Calling the process "flawed", she said she had moved the Supreme Court against it.
"I fought against this flawed process at the Supreme Court. The petition is still pending. The court passed a separate order 5 days ago. But I don't know if anything changed and whether the illegal deletions can be stopped," the Chief Minister said.
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Projects inaugurated across West Bengal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was speaking after inaugurating a Jain Manastambha and the Sant Kutia Gurdwara Gate in Bhowanipore. She also virtually launched and laid the foundation stones for several projects across the state.
These included a new police station in Howrah, a G+5 building at the Tollygunge fire station, distribution of 12.5 lakh cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, induction of 100 fire bikes and 100 CNG buses, and the foundation stone for a minority cultural centre in New Town, as reported by TOI.
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"Mini India" and a prayer for justice
Calling Bhowanipore a "mini India", CM Banerjee said people of all communities live there together. "Bhowanipore is like 'mini India', where people of all communities live and celebrate all festivals together. I stand by you during your festivals and also in times of mishaps. Because of my busy schedule, I may not always be able to join celebrations, but if anything happens, remember I am always there with you," she said.
The CM added that she had prayed before the newly inaugurated Manastambha that no genuine voter was left out. "I am praying for justice to prevail. If my prayers are answered, I will come here again and bow before this pious structure," she said.
Ending her speech, she said: "Jeeo aur jeene do - live and let live. May no genuine voter lose their democratic right."
