Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in North Bengal about expelling those removed from voter lists trigger political controversy amid heated election campaigning.
Kolkata : Union Home Minister Amit Shah has intensified the political temperature in West Bengal with a controversial remark during his campaign in North Bengal, warning that those whose names have been removed from the voter list could be expelled from India. Speaking at multiple rallies on Wednesday across Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, Shah directly linked the issue of voter list deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to the broader question of infiltration, triggering sharp reactions from opposition parties.
Addressing a gathering at Tufanganj in support of BJP candidates Malati Rava Roy and Girija Shankar Roy, Shah asserted that if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in West Bengal, infiltrators would be identified and selectively deported from the country. He went a step further by stating that those whose names have been struck off the voter list would also face similar action, a claim that has since sparked widespread political controversy. The rally was attended by regional leaders including Ananta Maharaj and Banshi Badan Barman.
Reiterating his stance at another rally in Rajganj, Jalpaiguri, Shah maintained a tough position on both infiltration and voter list revisions, reinforcing his message that strict measures would be implemented if the BJP forms the government in the state. Alongside these remarks, he made several promises, including granting constitutional recognition to the Rajbanshi language under the Eighth Schedule, forming a Narayani Battalion, sealing the international border, and constructing border fencing within a short timeframe. He also accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of corruption, lawlessness, and discrimination.
Continuing his campaign in Falakata, Alipurduar, Shah adopted an even more aggressive tone, warning of strict action against what he described as “Trinamool-backed goons” if the BJP assumes power. His remarks, including threats of punitive measures against political opponents, drew strong criticism from the Trinamool Congress. Prakash Chik Baraik, the party’s district president in Alipurduar and a Rajya Sabha MP, condemned Shah’s language, alleging that it reflected a “goon-like attitude” unbecoming of a Union Home Minister.
Meanwhile, Shah was unable to reach a scheduled rally in Lebong, Darjeeling, due to inclement weather, and instead addressed supporters through a brief video message. In his address, he assured that a resolution to the long-standing Gorkha issue would be achieved, claiming that efforts from the Centre had been hindered by a lack of cooperation from the state government. He alleged that despite repeated requests for meetings, neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor her representatives had engaged with the Centre on the matter.
Shah also touched upon other contentious issues during his speeches, including remarks about political defections and religious structures, further sharpening his attack on the ruling party. His statements, particularly on voter list deletions and expulsion, have added a fresh layer of controversy to an already heated election campaign in West Bengal.
Kolkata : Union Home Minister Amit Shah has intensified the political temperature in West Bengal with a controversial remark during his campaign in North Bengal, warning that those whose names have been removed from the voter list could be expelled from India. Speaking at multiple rallies on Wednesday across Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, Shah directly linked the issue of voter list deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to the broader question of infiltration, triggering sharp reactions from opposition parties.
Addressing a gathering at Tufanganj in support of BJP candidates Malati Rava Roy and Girija Shankar Roy, Shah asserted that if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in West Bengal, infiltrators would be identified and selectively deported from the country. He went a step further by stating that those whose names have been struck off the voter list would also face similar action, a claim that has since sparked widespread political controversy. The rally was attended by regional leaders including Ananta Maharaj and Banshi Badan Barman.
Reiterating his stance at another rally in Rajganj, Jalpaiguri, Shah maintained a tough position on both infiltration and voter list revisions, reinforcing his message that strict measures would be implemented if the BJP forms the government in the state. Alongside these remarks, he made several promises, including granting constitutional recognition to the Rajbanshi language under the Eighth Schedule, forming a Narayani Battalion, sealing the international border, and constructing border fencing within a short timeframe. He also accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of corruption, lawlessness, and discrimination.
Continuing his campaign in Falakata, Alipurduar, Shah adopted an even more aggressive tone, warning of strict action against what he described as “Trinamool-backed goons” if the BJP assumes power. His remarks, including threats of punitive measures against political opponents, drew strong criticism from the Trinamool Congress. Prakash Chik Baraik, the party’s district president in Alipurduar and a Rajya Sabha MP, condemned Shah’s language, alleging that it reflected a “goon-like attitude” unbecoming of a Union Home Minister.
Meanwhile, Shah was unable to reach a scheduled rally in Lebong, Darjeeling, due to inclement weather, and instead addressed supporters through a brief video message. In his address, he assured that a resolution to the long-standing Gorkha issue would be achieved, claiming that efforts from the Centre had been hindered by a lack of cooperation from the state government. He alleged that despite repeated requests for meetings, neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor her representatives had engaged with the Centre on the matter.
Shah also touched upon other contentious issues during his speeches, including remarks about political defections and religious structures, further sharpening his attack on the ruling party. His statements, particularly on voter list deletions and expulsion, have added a fresh layer of controversy to an already heated election campaign in West Bengal.
إرسال تعليق