Banerjee Calls Out BJP's Infiltration Claims as EC Data Debunks Allegations

TMC's Abhishek Banerjee accused BJP of fabricating infiltration claims in West Bengal after Election Commission data disproved allegations. The EC's draft electoral rolls reduced the number of supposed 'fake' voters, contradicting BJP's stance. Banerjee insists that BJP owes West Bengal an apology for defamation.

TMC national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, has challenged the BJP's infiltration claims in West Bengal after the Election Commission's draft electoral rolls presented data that counters the party's assertion. Banerjee demands an apology from BJP for what he views as a campaign to tarnish the state's reputation.

The Election Commission on Tuesday published West Bengal's draft electoral rolls, detailing the removal of over 58 lakh voters due to reasons such as death, migration, and duplication. The updated numbers starkly contradict BJP's allegations of one crore Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators in the state.

As the EC's data indicated only around 1.83 lakh 'fake' or 'ghost' voters, Banerjee criticized BJP for defaming Bengalis by labeling them as Bangladeshis. He called for a cessation of such rhetoric, urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address infiltration concerns, given border security falls under the central government's jurisdiction.

(With inputs from agencies.)