Didi Claims 3–4 Daily Suicides Over SIR in WB; Mamata Says Bose Would Have Been Called
CM alleges voter list revision has led to daily suicides; questions EC’s actions on Netaji birth anniversary
Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged on Friday that the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of the voters' list has resulted in daily three-four deaths by suicide in the state.
The Trinamul Congress supremo also sought the EC and Centre to own responsibility for the huge loss of lives after paying tribute to iconic freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the city on his birth anniversary.
Referring to the impact of the SIR among the voters, Ms Banerjee claimed, “More than 110 people have died. Everyday three-four people are ending their lives in fear. Why will there be no case against the EC?”
She added, “The EC and Government of India must take responsibility for so many deaths. I'm not taking the name of the party. Still, 40-45 people are battling for life. Don't their lives have any worth?”
The CM then wondered whether Bose would have also faced the SIR, asking, “If he was alive today, would he have also been summoned for hearing to explain logical discrepancy and prove he is Indian?”
She pointed out Chandra Kumar Bose, the grand nephew of the icon who had joined the BJP after 2014 but made exit within a few years and was present at the event, has been called to attend the SIR hearing.
Slamming the BJP at the Centre, the CM complained, “Delhi has become a city of conspiracy. It is always hatching a conspiracy against Bengal. A constant insult is meted out to legends by distorting history.”
She observed, “There is intolerance, distasteful remarks, ungratefulness, and disrespect towards them and the language. Will Bengal accept this? We should be united against this.”
Ms Banerjee noted, "From Netaji to Patel, those who dreamt of an independent India, their dreams are being shattered today. They (BJP) are trying to impose their history, which has nothing to do with our country's history. The Constitution is being humiliated. People are being deprived while their rights are snatched. Democracy is being stripped naked."
Taking a swipe at the BJP, the TMC chief sarcastically said, “Will they next decide who will love and marry whom and when and if they can start a family?” before invoking Bose’s ‘Dilli Chalo’ call.
