National News
‘3–4 Suicide Deaths Daily Due to Voter Roll Anxiety’: Mamata Banerjee Blames EC, Centre Over SIR Exercise
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged that anxiety linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to multiple suicide deaths in the state, claiming that three to four people are taking their lives every day.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged that anxiety linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to multiple suicide deaths in the state, claiming that three to four people are taking their lives every day.
Addressing a public programme at Red Road in Kolkata on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Banerjee said the Election Commission of India and the central government must take responsibility for the reported deaths.
“More than 110 people have already died. Every day, three to four people are dying by suicide out of SIR anxiety,” the Chief Minister said.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise — aimed at updating and verifying electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections — is currently underway across the state.
Banerjee alleged that the process has created fear and uncertainty among voters, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, leading to stress and mental health concerns.
She also launched a political attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of conspiring against Bengal and undermining democratic institutions.
“The BJP is conspiring against Bengal. Great leaders of the country like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose and B.R. Ambedkar are being insulted,” she said.
There was no immediate response from the Election Commission or the BJP regarding her claims.
The remarks come amid rising political tensions in the state as parties gear up for the Assembly elections.
