Bengal CM Links Over 110 Deaths To Voter Roll Exercise
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that more than 110 people have died in the state due to stress and distress linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She said the deaths were connected to anxiety caused by notices, hearings, and verification processes under the revision exercise ahead of the Assembly elections.
Allegations Against EC And Centre
Banerjee blamed the Election Commission of India and the central government for what she described as harassment of voters. She alleged that many people, particularly the elderly and poor, were being repeatedly summoned to prove their eligibility, leading to mental trauma. She said the process had created fear among voters and called it an attack on democratic rights.
EC Defends Process
The Election Commission has maintained that the SIR is a routine and lawful exercise carried out to ensure accurate voter rolls before elections. Political tensions have risen in the state over the issue, with the Trinamool Congress and opposition parties trading accusations over the conduct and impact of the revision drive.
