SIR Voter List Row: Two MPs Meet Suvendu Adhikari, Seek Relief for Voters and Halt to Mosque Loudspeaker Removal

SIR Voter List Row: Two MPs Meet Suvendu Adhikari Over Voter Harassment

SIR voter list concerns dominated a meeting at Nabanna on Saturday, as NCPI MPs Abu Taher Khan and Khalilur Rahman met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and raised several complaints concerning voters in Murshidabad.

The two MPs, who have left the Trinamool Congress, met the Chief Minister to discuss alleged harassment of legitimate voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They also raised concerns over the removal of loudspeakers from mosques in different parts of the state.

Following the meeting, the MPs spoke to reporters and outlined the issues they had discussed with the Chief Minister.

MPs Raise Concerns Over SIR Voter List Verification

According to Abu Taher Khan, several complaints related to the SIR voter list were brought to the Chief Minister's attention during the meeting.

Khan said that a large number of people in Murshidabad were facing difficulties during the electoral roll revision process, particularly those living in rural areas and people with limited formal education.

He claimed that many residents were struggling to understand the documentation and procedures required during the SIR process.

According to Khan, the Chief Minister told the MPs that around 2.7 million names had been removed from the voter list, while approximately seven lakh people had submitted applications following the deletion.

Khan said the MPs argued that the remaining people should also be given an opportunity to submit their applications.

"These are people from villages and rural areas. Many have not received formal education and do not understand the documents. Everyone's name should be included in the voter list," Khan said.

He further alleged that legitimate voters were being subjected to unnecessary difficulties because of the ongoing verification process.

MPs Seek More Time for 2 Million Voters

One of the key demands raised during the meeting was an extension of the deadline for applications.

Khan said that around 2 million people who had not yet submitted applications should be given additional time to complete the process.

The MP also indicated that legal action could be considered if necessary.

"We may approach the court for five lakh people in Murshidabad," Khan said, adding that the Chief Minister had responded positively to their appeal.

According to Khan, Suvendu Adhikari assured them that the state government would take whatever steps were possible to address the concerns.

The issue of access to government welfare schemes was also raised during the meeting.

Demand for Welfare Benefits for All Affected Voters

Khalilur Rahman reportedly demanded that all 2.7 million people whose names were removed from the electoral roll should continue to receive social welfare benefits.

The issue is significant because the status of these individuals could affect their access to various government schemes.

However, the Chief Minister had reportedly said on Friday that only those who have approached the tribunal would be eligible for government social welfare benefits.

This difference in position could become another point of contention as the SIR voter list process continues.

Mosque Loudspeakers Also Discussed at Nabanna

The meeting was not limited to electoral roll issues.

The two minority MPs also brought up reports of loudspeakers being removed from mosques in different parts of the state.

Abu Taher Khan said the issue was "painful" and appealed to the government to ensure that religious activities do not face unnecessary disruption.

Khan said they were willing to follow government guidelines regarding the use of loudspeakers but wanted the authorities to ensure that there were no problems during prayer.

"We are ready to follow the government's guidelines. But the government must ensure that there is no problem during the time of namaz," Khan said.

He added that the Chief Minister listened to their concerns patiently.

MP Alleges Selective Targeting of Muslims

Khan also alleged that Muslims were being selectively targeted in different parts of the state.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the police were handling the loudspeaker issue and called for the law to be applied equally to members of all communities.

According to Khan, the MPs told the Chief Minister that the same rules should apply to Hindus and Muslims.

He alleged that loudspeakers were sometimes being removed without giving adequate time to those concerned.

"Law should be equal for everyone, whether Hindu or Muslim," Khan said, while also alleging that the police were acting in an excessive manner.

The MP urged the government to ensure that no community was selectively targeted during enforcement operations.

Similar Appeal Made to Amit Shah

Khan also revealed that the MPs had raised the loudspeaker issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah two days before their meeting at Nabanna.

The development adds another dimension to the controversy, with the MPs seeking intervention from both the state and central governments.

The meeting with Suvendu Adhikari comes at a politically sensitive time, with the SIR voter list revision becoming a major issue in Murshidabad and other parts of West Bengal.

SIR Process Becomes Major Political Issue

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has generated significant political debate, particularly over the verification and deletion of names from voter lists.

While authorities have maintained that the revision process is aimed at ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls, opposition leaders and several representatives have raised concerns about the possibility of genuine voters facing difficulties.

The latest meeting at Nabanna has brought these concerns directly before the state government.

The demands made by Abu Taher Khan and Khalilur Rahman include providing additional time for those who have not yet submitted applications, ensuring that legitimate voters are not unnecessarily harassed, and maintaining equal enforcement of laws across communities.

The issue is likely to remain politically significant as the SIR voter list process progresses and more voters seek clarification about their status.

The next steps by the state government will be closely watched, particularly regarding the MPs' request for additional time for people who have not yet filed applications.

At the same time, the debate over access to welfare schemes and the eligibility of people affected by voter-list changes could continue.

The controversy over mosque loudspeakers is also expected to remain a sensitive issue, with the MPs demanding that government guidelines be implemented without selectively targeting any particular community.

For now, the Nabanna meeting has added fresh momentum to the debate surrounding the SIR voter list, voter verification and the implementation of administrative rules across West Bengal.