The standoff over West Bengal’s voter list overhaul through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) refuses to die down. BJP MLA Debjit Sarkar escalated the rhetoric on Saturday, urging Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to abandon his Delhi desk and tour the trouble-torn state. His scathing attack targeted Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress administration amid allegations of electoral malpractices.
In an IANS interview, Sarkar painted a grim picture. ‘Violence is rampant here,’ he said. ‘The CEC needs to land in Bengal and inspect those areas. Remote directives from the capital are useless when lawlessness reigns supreme and constitutional norms are trampled.’
He highlighted TMC’s alleged impunity, citing the brazen seizure of ED documents during a raid on a private firm, supposedly under CM’s instructions. Sarkar also decried open calls for anti-Hindu agitation by TMC figures. ‘With MLAs and ministers fanning such flames, it’s high time the CEC and Supreme Court delegates arrive to assess the chaos firsthand.’
Sarkar took a swipe at Abhishek Banerjee’s virtual party meets, suggesting they stemmed from internal revolts. ‘TMC cadres are turning against him; that’s why virtual sessions. They’re not fit for in-person rallies anymore.’ He forecasted a voter backlash in the upcoming polls, ushering in a BJP government.
This episode highlights the brewing storm in Bengal’s politics, where accusations of booth capturing and violence threaten the fairness of future elections. Sarkar’s call amplifies opposition demands for transparency and accountability, potentially drawing national scrutiny to the state’s electoral process.