The state of West Bengal, which is preparing for elections, has become the center of discussion in national politics these days. Political activity has increased significantly since the start of the ‘Special Intensive Review’ (SIR) process in the state. There is almost a conflict like situation between TMC and BJP. TMC has also accused the Election Commission on several occasions. Now, a new incident has come to light, which has created a controversial situation. The issue started over deletion of names from the voter list during the SIR process, following which protests broke out. The controversy escalated, and now its echo has reached the Supreme Court.
On Thursday, while hearing the case, the Supreme Court expressed its disappointment and came down heavily on the Mamata-led government of the state. Expressing its displeasure, the Supreme Court remarked, “West Bengal is the most politically polarized state.” These strong observations of the Supreme Court came after an unfortunate incident that took place in a village in Malda district, where judicial officers carrying out ‘Special Intensive Review’ (SIR) were surrounded and attacked by a mob.
On Wednesday, massive protests broke out outside the Block Development Office (BDO) located in Kaliachak II block in West Bengal’s Malda district, protesting against the deletion of names from the voter list during the SIR process. The protesters initially demanded to meet judicial officials, but their demand was turned down. Subsequently, at around 4:00 pm, the mob surrounded three female officers and seven male judicial officers.
Following this, protests against the SIR process—including blocking roads—continued in Malda throughout the day today. This morning, people once again gathered near Narayanpur BSF Camp in Mangalbari area of Old Malda Block and protested by blocking National Highway 12. This protest was taking place in Jadupur area located on National Highway 12 in English Bazaar area of Malda. This demonstration caused huge traffic jam on the highway. After this, policemen were injured while trying to clear the jam. The driver of a police vehicle was also among the injured. Police released tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The protesters were demanding inclusion of their names in the voter list. A large contingent of police personnel from Malda police station, along with central forces, have been deployed at the spot. The atmosphere at the blockade site remains tense. The protesters allege that the names of people from the Muslim community have been deliberately removed from the voter list. He has warned that the protest will continue indefinitely until their names are put back in the voter list.
**What did TMC say?**
Issuing a statement on the blockade incident in Malda, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said, “We want to make it clear that we do not support anyone taking the law into their own hands. The BJP is behind this incident. They have instigated some people to create unrest and create a political issue. Now the entire responsibility for this lies with the Election Commission (EC), because the command of law and order is currently in their hands.” The statement further said that TMC’s stand is very clear: we are fighting this matter legally in the courts. As law abiding citizens, no one should fall into the trap of BJP.
**What did the Supreme Court say?**
Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court commented, “This shocking incident in West Bengal challenges the authority of the Supreme Court; it appears to be a premeditated and ulterior motive.” The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to get this incident investigated by CBI or NIA. The court said that it will keep an eye on this investigation.
The court also reprimanded the Chief Secretary, DGP, Superintendent of Police and Malda District Collector. Reprimanding the lawyer representing Bengal, the CJI said, “Your collector was not present at the spot till 11:00 pm. I had to issue very strict verbal orders late at night. Even a five-year-old child was not given food and water.” The Chief Justice further said that the judicial officers were released only after the intervention of the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court.
What did Mamata Banerjee say?
Commenting on a recent incident during a protest, Mamata Banerjee said, “I don’t know who were the people who gheraoed the judicial officers yesterday, but people are angry with the ‘SIR’. I have no power; they have taken away all the rights from me. They want to control law and order—and everything else—but they have failed. They have failed to provide security to the judges.”
Mamata Banerjee further said, “They have changed everyone—the Home Secretary, the Chief Secretary (CS), the Superintendent of Police (SP), the Director General of Police (DGP), the District Magistrate (DM), and the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO). Now, they are looking to impose President’s rule in Bengal. This is a calculated move by the BJP. They want to cancel the elections and impose President’s rule.” Addressing the protesters in Malda, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “I want to tell the people protesting in Malda that you are not able to understand the situation properly. Do not give in to any kind of provocation; otherwise, your people will be arrested.” He further said that tomorrow is *Jumma* (Friday). “I urge the people of Malda and Murshidabad not to do anything that will have adverse effects on them. Do not do anything instigated by someone due to which you have to face CBI or NIA.”
What did BJP say?
BJP IT Cell’s Amit Malviya claimed in a social media post that law and order cannot be allowed to deteriorate like this. He said, “The BDO office in Kalichak-II was cordoned off. Connectivity between North and South Bengal was completely severed as protesters blocked National Highway 12 (NH-12). Seven judicial officers—including three women—were trapped inside. The situation had gone completely out of control.”
Amit further said that those seven judicial officers remained trapped inside the Kalichak-II BDO office, which was completely surrounded by a large crowd. Local security personnel described the situation outside the campus as extremely tense. Not only was the exit from the office closed, but all the ingress and egress routes were also blocked at many places, making it extremely dangerous to travel in that area.
He further said that following the directions of the District Judge, the officers decided to stay together and avoid going out alone to reduce the risks. However, the situation continued to deteriorate. There was a dire need for immediate intervention of the district and police administration. Significant additional security forces needed to be deployed to safely evacuate all the officers.
Mamta’s emotional appeal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “Let us fight the elections peacefully. Let us stay away from such violence. If someone’s name has been removed from the list, there are proper channels to lodge a complaint. They want to ‘sell’ Bengal; as a result, they will stop all the ongoing projects. I appeal to both Hindus and Muslims to stand united. This is a fight against communal forces. I strongly believe in secularism. I am deeply saddened that they have taken away all my rights from me. You are doing such things which reduce my dignity. Mamata Banerjee has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah. She said, “There has been a change in the composition of the population here. This is completely a conspiracy hatched by Amit Shah; he is responsible for all this. He is neither able to protect the borders nor the lives of the people. I demand the resignation of the Home Minister.”
