Patna: Bihar’s Health and Law Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in-charge for West Bengal, Mangal Pandey, has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of opposing a special in-depth revision of the voter list in the state due to fears of electoral defeat.
Speaking in Patna, Pandey said Banerjee, who previously called for the expulsion of infiltrators when the Left Front governed West Bengal, has now allegedly become a protector of such groups. He cited recent incidents in Murshidabad to argue that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government’s policies appeared to favour certain communities, claiming this approach undermines national unity and security.
Pandey also referenced Banerjee’s remarks at a rally in Bangaon, North 24 Parganas, in which she criticised the Election Commission of India’s process, stating that her opposition to the revision was politically motivated.
The BJP leadership, including Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, has suggested that Banerjee’s stance reflects waning political support in West Bengal. Choudhary predicted that the BJP could form the next state government, citing Banerjee’s alleged declining influence.
The West Bengal Chief Minister has repeatedly opposed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, drawing criticism from BJP leaders who argue that it is politically driven. The TMC has defended its position, stating that it seeks to ensure fair treatment of all residents during voter list updates.
