Former Tripura Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar has alleged that the BJP is using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to prepare a voter list that favours the ruling party. Addressing a public meeting in Chailengta, Dhalai district, on July 2, Sarkar claimed that the exercise targets Muslims, labourers, and economically weaker sections. He also alleged that similar practices were taking place in Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. The BJP has not responded to these allegations in the statement provided.
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Key Facts
- Location: Chailengta, Dhalai district, Tripura
- Date: July 2
- Speaker: Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar
- Political Party: CPI(M)
- Main Issue: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- Key Allegation: BJP is attempting to disenfranchise genuine voters
- States Mentioned: Tripura, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam
Manik Sarkar Criticises Electoral Roll Revision
Veteran CPI(M) leader and former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has accused the BJP of using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to prepare a voter list that favours the ruling party.
Speaking at a public programme in Chailengta, Dhalai district, Sarkar alleged that the exercise aims to help the BJP remain in power for an extended period.
Allegations of Voter Disenfranchisement
According to Sarkar, the ruling party is attempting to remove the names of genuine voters whom it believes may vote against it.
Furthermore, he claimed that Muslims, labourers, and economically weaker sections are the primary targets of the alleged exercise. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
Claims About Other States
Sarkar also alleged that similar electoral roll revision exercises were taking place in Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Moreover, he claimed that eligible voters in those states were also facing difficulties during the revision process. He argued that such actions could weaken democratic participation.
Concerns Over Democracy
The former chief minister alleged that removing eligible voters from electoral rolls would undermine democracy.
In addition, he accused the BJP of attempting to establish what he described as a “fascist rule” by depriving citizens of their voting rights. He also claimed that a similar process was underway in Tripura.
Comments on the 2023 Assembly Elections
Sarkar further claimed that the BJP would have lost the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections if the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) had not allegedly extended covert support to the ruling party.
Additionally, he criticised the RSS and VHP, alleging that the organisations have attempted to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims since the BJP came to power in Tripura in 2018.
Call for Public Protest
Finally, Sarkar urged people to unite and protest against what he described as the BJP government’s anti-people policies.
He also alleged that Tripura continues to face challenges related to unemployment, corruption, and law and order.
The BJP’s response to these allegations was not available at the time of reporting.
Questions & Answers
Q1: What did Manik Sarkar allege?
He alleged that the BJP is using the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls to disenfranchise genuine voters.
Q2: Where did Sarkar make these remarks?
He addressed a public meeting in Chailengta, Dhalai district, Tripura.
Q3: Which groups did Sarkar claim were being targeted?
He claimed that Muslims, labourers, and economically weaker sections were being targeted.
Q4: Which other states did he mention?
He referred to Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam while making his allegations.
Q5: Has the BJP responded to these allegations?
No response from the BJP was available in the information provided.
Location Context
Tripura is a politically significant state in Northeast India, where electoral issues and voter participation remain key aspects of public debate. Political developments in the state often influence wider discussions on governance, democracy, and regional politics across the Northeast.
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