West Bengal polls: Citing voter deletions, CM Mamata Banerjee targets EC over SIR

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday mounted a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging that recent administrative reshuffles, preparation of supplementary electoral rolls and transfers of IAS and IPS officers were aimed at helping the BJP influence the Assembly elections. She also claimed that "Muslim women have been mercilessly deleted" from the state's SIR rolls.

Addressing a rally in Raniganj in Paschim Bardhaman district, Banerjee said the BJP had "crossed all limits" and warned it not to breach the "Lakshman Rekha".

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Alleging targeted deletions, she said women-particularly Muslim women-along with tribals, Matuas and Rajbanshis had been removed from voter lists, adding that many Hindus were also affected. "Out of 220 who died due to SIR, half are Hindus. They are trying to create divisions and incite tensions between communities," she said.

Banerjee also questioned the transparency of the process, asserting that the ECI "cannot snatch away voting rights in the name of SIR".