‘BJP cannot defeat me politically; will shake its foundation if it tries to strike me’: Bengal CM at anti-SIR rally

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission over the controversial SIR exercise, alleging that the poll panel is no longer an impartial body and has turned into “BJP Commission”.

Addressing an anti-SIR rally in Bongaon, she alleged that the saffron party “cannot defeat me in my game”. “BJP cannot fight and defeat me politically,” she said.

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She asked the BJP if conducting the SIR (special intensive exercise) in states where the saffron party itself is in power imply that the Centre accepts ‘ghuspaithiyas’ (outsiders) exist there.

Banerjee, however, said she will supoort the SIR if the exercise is held in a transparent manner over two years.

“If SIR is conducted over two-three years, we will support the exercise with every possible resource,” she declared.

In a stern warning to the BJP, she said, “If it tries to strike me in Bengal, I will shake its foundation across India.”

Banerjee also led a massive protest march against the SIR exercise. A huge crowd of supporters followed the TMC leader as she walked from Jessore Road at Chandpara towards Thakurnagar.

ECI agrees to meet TMC delegation

Meanwhile, the ECI has invited Banerjee-led TMC (Trinamool Congress) for a meeting to hear its grievances over the SIR exercise.

TMC leader Derek O’Brien had sought an appointment with the EC in this regard.

In response, the Commission agreed to meet the authorised representatives of the TMC at 11 am on November 28 at its headquarters in New Delhi.

Earlier on Monday, Banerjee wrote to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, questioning whether the Election Commission’s initiatives were being undertaken “at the behest of a political party to serve vested interests.”

She raised two “deeply problematic” issues amid the ongoing SIR exercise, urging the poll panel to examine them utmost seriousness, impartiality and transparency.

The first issue she raised was the hiring of private data entry operators for SIR and other election-related work.

Another issue she highlighted was that of a proposal to set up polling booths at private housing complexes.

While Gyanesh Kumar has not responded to her letter, the BJP has defended both the initiatives of the poll panel.

This was Banerjee’s second letter in recent days. In an earlier letter dated November 20, she had urged the Commission to halt the SIR, citing unbearable strain and distress, including suicides among booth level officers (BLOs) involved in the process.