West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision allowing voters, whose names were deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) but later restored by appellate tribunals, to cast their votes in the upcoming state polls.
Relief after Supreme Court order
Addressing reporters after landing in Cooch Behar, Banerjee expressed satisfaction over the verdict.
"Congratulations to everyone. I received the good news just after boarding the helicopter from Dinhata. I was saying from the beginning to remain patient. I am very happy and proud of the judiciary," she was quoted as saying by The Times of India, noting that she had personally approached the apex court in the matter.
She added, "Everyone should apply at tribunals and you will get your rights reinstated. The Supreme Court has said that a supplementary list for first phase will be published on April 21. I will ask my workers to make voter forms on basis of this list within nightfall so that people can vote. On April 27, another supplementary list will be out for the second phase on April 29. There's no one happier than me today."
Attack on delimitation and NRC
Banerjee also raised concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, linking it to broader political motives.
"I, too, have fought for 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament. Why did you attach delimitation with women's bill? The reason is simple: you want to divide Bengal. The delimitation bill is separate. Women's reservation is completely different. This is a trap to delete more names and implement NRC. Don't fall for it."
At rallies in Mathabhanga, Alipurduar and Dinhata, she continued her criticism of the SIR process, alleging it could disenfranchise voters. She also responded to remarks by Union Home minister Amit Shah, saying, "If we stay in office, I will not allow them to do any such thing."
Claims of wider political support
The Chief Minister claimed that several Opposition leaders were in touch with her over the issue.
"Be it Uddhav Thackeray or MK Stalin or Akhilesh or Tejashwi, everyone wants to talk to me. They understand that BJP is targeting Bengal," she said.
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Banerjee further alleged that nearly 60 lakh names were removed due to discrepancies, adding that 32 lakh have already been restored.
"I fought against this on the streets and in the SC and 32 lakh names have been retained. Sooner or later, every legitimate voter will feature in the electoral list," she said.
