Mamata Alleges SIR Favoured BJP in Bengal

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission conducted the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to help the BJP in the Assembly elections by removing the names of genuine voters. Speaking at a rally in Serampore on Saturday, she claimed that irregularities took place during the election process and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She also referred to objections reportedly raised by two Election Commissioners over aspects of the SIR process and said protests would be held across Bengal if the CEC did not step down. She further said that the INDIA bloc meeting would be held at Constitution Club in Delhi on September 30.

Mamata also alleged that TMC leaders and workers were placed under house arrest to prevent them from attending the Serampore rally. She claimed that her route to the venue was blocked and that attacks were carried out on TMC leaders travelling to the rally, accusing the police of failing to provide adequate protection. Mamata said she reached Serampore through an alternative route and attended the meeting. The BJP rejected her allegations, with Bengal BJP spokesperson Devjit Sarkar stating that the party had no role in the alleged attacks on TMC leaders.