The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed no worries regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal, according to the party’s national president. This statement came during the initial phase of the state’s two-part assembly elections, where unauthorized immigration from neighboring Bangladesh remains a major concern.
In a discussion with a news channel, the BJP leader addressed the exclusion of 2.7 million names from the electoral rolls, suggesting that any unease likely affects the Trinamool Congress instead. He stated that his party feels no such apprehension.
The leader accused West Bengal’s Chief Minister and Trinamool leader of unfairly criticizing the Election Commission regarding the SIR process.
He noted that West Bengal shares a border, and the Election Commission’s actions stem from reports by local authorities. He described the decision as advantageous for the state’s residents and questioned granting voting rights to individuals from Bangladesh.
These remarks occurred as voting proceeded actively in West Bengal, with a turnout of 62.18 percent recorded by 1 p.m. in the first six hours of the opening phase.
The BJP president rejected Trinamool’s claims against the Election Commission, emphasizing that the body allows all parties to present their views, similar to processes in Bihar.
He pointed out that the 2.7 million excluded individuals had opportunities to participate, and questioned the state government’s role in monitoring the matter. He added that the administration hindered and resisted officials, contrasting this with smooth elections in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
