Bengal SIR Row: Mamata Banerjee Alleges 90 Lakh Names Deleted, Questions BJP Narrative

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging large-scale voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. According to Banerjee, over 90 lakh names were removed from the electoral rolls in West Bengal, including around 60 lakh Hindus and 30 lakh Muslims. She claimed that the exercise was carried out to politically benefit the BJP, raising serious concerns over electoral integrity and disenfranchisement. Drawing parallels, Banerjee also pointed to the implementation of the National Register of Citizens in Assam, where nearly 19 lakh people were excluded from the final list. She alleged that a majority—around 12 lakh—of those excluded were Hindus, challenging the BJP’s narrative of being a protector of Hindu interests. The Chief Minister further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of political hypocrisy. She highlighted his diplomatic engagements abroad, including meetings with Muslim leaders in countries like United Arab Emirates, contrasting them with what she described as divisive politics within India. Banerjee stated that while the BJP promotes polarization domestically, its outreach on the global stage presents a contradictory image. She called for transparency in electoral processes and urged institutions to uphold democratic values. The BJP has not officially responded to these specific allegations, but the issue is expected to intensify political debate ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.