Abhishek Banerjee, a prominent leader of West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), has voiced strong opposition to the Centre’s ruling BJP and the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Banerjee holds the BJP and ECI responsible for creating an atmosphere of anxiety that he claims led to the death of a man near Kolkata. He has encouraged citizens to “confront and tie up” local BJP leaders if they demand birth certificates during the SIR process or if a National Register of Citizens (NRC) is implemented.
Banerjee’s remarks came after visiting the family of a 57-year-old man who allegedly died by suicide in Panihati, near Kolkata. He directly linked this tragic incident to the SIR, which commenced on October 28 across 12 states, including West Bengal. The TMC general secretary asserted that the fear generated by the BJP and the ECI prompted the man to take his own life.
The BJP, in response, has stated that the actual cause of death should be investigated by authorities rather than being attributed to political accusations. Details from the police regarding the incident were not immediately available.
Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of fostering a “climate of panic.” He questioned whether these officials could provide the same documentation they are demanding from ordinary citizens.
While the BJP supports the SIR, the ECI maintains its role as an independent body dedicated to ensuring accurate electoral rolls. The controversy highlights a growing concern that the SIR process may be a precursor to an NRC exercise. Opposition parties view the SIR as “NRC by another name,” particularly due to claims of illegal voter registrations by foreigners, including Muslims from Bangladesh. This concern is amplified by the contentious history of the NRC and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, which have ignited debates about religion and citizenship for immigrants. Critics argue that such processes disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable who may struggle to produce required documents.
In his address to supporters, Banerjee articulated the anxiety surrounding these issues. He suggested a course of action for the public: “Next time local BJP leaders come to your area, stop them and ask them to furnish their parents’ certificates! Tie them to a tree or lamp post and tell them they won’t be released until they produce their parents’ and grandparents’ documents.” He clarified that this was not a call for violence but a symbolic act of protest.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also criticized the BJP for allegedly spreading fear and “weaponizing NRC.” The BJP, however, maintains that the SIR is a standard electoral revision procedure and accuses the TMC of politicizing a personal tragedy.
These developments have intensified the citizenship debate in West Bengal, which is gearing up for state assembly elections expected by March 2026.