Kolkata, Agency
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today sought to reassure people across West Bengal amid rising anxiety over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following a series of alleged suicide cases linked to fears of exclusion.
“To my brothers and sisters across Bengal, I want to assure you that as long as we are here, you have nothing to fear. Your rights, your dignity, and your future are safe,” Banerjee wrote on her X handle, urging people not to panic or take any extreme steps.
Her appeal came after three tragic incidents within 72 hours of the SIR announcement — in Panihati (North 24 Parganas), Dinhata (Cooch Behar), and Illambazar (Birbhum).
In Panihati, 57-year-old Pradeep Kar allegedly took his life on Monday night, leaving behind
a note blaming the NRC.
The next day, 63-year-old Khairul Sheikh from Dinhata reportedly consumed poison, distressed over a spelling error in his voter record. He remains under treatment.
Interestingly, 95-year-old Kshitish Majumdar from Ilambazar was found dead, with his family alleging he ended his life after failing to locate his name in the 2002 voters’ list today.
Referring to these cases, Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP and its allies, accusing them of spreading fear and division.
“We are witnessing the tragic consequences of BJP’s politics of fear, hatred, and division,” she wrote, adding “Within 72 hours of the SIR announcement in Bengal, a series of avoidable tragedies have occurred. Who is responsible? Will the union Home Minister take responsibility? Will the BJP and its allies, under whose supervision this climate of fear has been created, have the courage to speak up?”
Calling the Illambazar incident “a betrayal of humanity,” Banerjee said generations of people had lived in Bengal with dignity, and questioning their identity was “cruel and unjustifiable.”
“I urge every citizen not to lose faith or take any extreme step. Our government stands firmly with you. We will not allow NRC in Bengal — not through the front door, nor the back door. Not a single legitimate citizen will be branded an outsider. We will fight for the people’s rights till the last drop of our blood,” she said.
Even as she inaugurated Jagaddhatri Puja festivities and rural development projects today, Banerjee said her heart was “heavy with grief.”
She directed district leaders to assist affected families and reiterated that the state would protect every citizen from any attempt to undermine their rights.
The BJP, meanwhile, rejected the Trinamool’s charges, insisting that the SIR process would not exclude any legitimate voter and accused the ruling party of spreading “baseless panic.”
Banerjee, however, maintained that the state would continue its fight “against the politics of fear and exclusion,” assuring the people that Bengal’s spirit of inclusivity and harmony would not be broken.
000
