‘PM Modi was elected on 2024 voter list, if that is called invalid, his govt becomes invalid too’: Mamata

Accusing the BJP of playing the religion card to target communities like Matua in the name of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said that if the 2024 voter list was invalid, how the Narendra Modi-led government elected on the same list can be valid.

Addressing an anti-SIR rally in Bongaon, a Matua community stronghold, Banerjee questioned the Central government’s stance on the SIR exercise, arguing that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected on the existing voter list, how it can be called invalid.

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“There is nothing to fear. Narendra Modi himself was elected on the 2024 voter list. If that list is now being called invalid, then even his government becomes invalid,” she said.

The Bengal CM alleged that the BJP is “selling citizenship” and trying to mislead people with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

She told the members of the Matua community that the Centre is cheating them. “You may write that you belong to the Matua community, but by making you write that, they are twisting it to imply that you came from Bangladesh. They are manufacturing that narrative,” the chief minister said.

She assured the gathering that her government would Oppose any attempt to expel the people in the name of roll revision. “But do not be intimidated. Do not be alarmed. As long as I am here, I will never allow them to expel you,” she added.

She also cautioned the Matua community members against the ‘religion card’ being given to them, saying the ECI has not stated that this card will automatically grant citizenship or voting rights. “In the name of the Matua Mahasangha, they are asking you to take a ‘religion card.’ But remember, this is being done in exchange for money. And where, in any instruction issued by the Election Commission, is it stated that obtaining this card will automatically make you a citizen or give you the right to vote? Ask them to put that in writing first,” she told the gathering.

CM Banerjee further claimed that people of Matua community were being deceived and granting ‘religion card’ is an attempt to manipulate their identity.

“They are deceiving you. Those whose earlier nationality was Bangladeshi are now being handed so-called ‘evidence’ to prove that you are Bangladeshi. This is a deliberate attempt to manipulate your identity and dispossess you,” she added.