West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a strong stand against the Election Commission’s SIR survey, criticizing it as an intrusive exercise. Amid rising tension, she led a large public rally, urging citizens to resist the survey and protect their democratic rights.
Addressing thousands of supporters, Mamata warned that the SIR (Systematic Identification and Revision) drive could be used to disenfranchise marginalized voters and compromise their identity. She argued the survey might lead to unnecessary scrutiny of voters, especially in poor and rural areas.
The rally drew a diverse crowd, including local leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens concerned about privacy and electoral fairness. Many carried placards demanding transparency and accountability from authorities conducting the survey.
Mamata’s protest has given momentum to opposition parties across several states. She emphasized that electoral rolls must be updated fairly, without causing distress to vulnerable communities or violating their rights. Her messages resonated strongly, especially with those who view the SIR survey as a threat to electoral justice.
Election officials, meanwhile, have sought to assure the public that the survey is a routine administrative exercise—aimed only at cleaning up voter lists and preventing duplicate or invalid entries. But Mamata’s rally has reopened the debate, promising to make the SIR issue a major political battleground in the coming weeks.
