TMC Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta Over Election Commission's SIR Notice

The TMC has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of using the SIR process for political vendetta against its Rajya Sabha member, Samirul Islam, after he received a hearing notice for discrepancies in electoral rolls. The case has sparked political debate in West Bengal.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday alleged political vendetta following a hearing notice issued by the Election Commission to Rajya Sabha member Samirul Islam. The notice pertains to alleged discrepancies in his name and his father's name on the electoral rolls, which the party claims is a humiliation tactic against those defending Bengali rights.

Islam, who has been a resident of Dunigram since before Indian Independence, expressed his dismay at being asked to prove his citizenship when no other family member received similar notices. The TMC has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of being complicit in this targeting of Islam, who is known for his role in advocating for the deported Bengali citizen Sunali Khatun.

The party further criticized the SIR process, labeling it authoritarian and a tool for political harassment, particularly against Bengalis. They cited Islam's professional history and similar past notices to public figures like actor-turned-MP Dev as evidence of selective targeting.

(With inputs from agencies.)