Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 29 : After the Election Commission announced the Phase-two of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that they do not want any divide and rule, asserting that every "genuine voter" should be protected.
"... We don't want any divide and rule, and every person's democratic right, every genuine voter, should be properly protected. The biggest pillars of democracy are the judiciary and the media. Keep these strong. This includes Gandhiji's fight, Netaji's fight... I want to say what the greatest religion is: humanity... If all five fingers were together...," CM Mamata Banerjee said in her speech here.
Earlier today, TMC National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee blamed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the death of Pradeep Kar, who allegedly took his own life due to anxiety over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
He said that Kar's suicide note claimed SIR and NRC were responsible for his death, sparking widespread outrage.
Banerjee visited Kar's family and demanded action against Shah and Kumar, holding them accountable for his death.
"...You all know the incident that happened yesterday in the name of SIR, and you all know about what happened today in Dinhata. If anyone is to be held responsible for this, it is the Chief Election Commissioner. SIR was announced two days ago, and two lives have been lost in the last 48 hours. Today, I have come to Pradeep Kar's house. He has written in the suicide note that SIR and NRC are responsible for my death, so if anyone is responsible for this, it is the Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar...," said Abhishek Banerjee.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will conduct the second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said on Monday.