Bengal SIR: Amid growing protests in the state, the Election Commission observers deployed for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state have demanded security for themselves.
According to a report by Jagran.com, these observers have advised the Election Commission’s Delhi office to either deploy central forces for security or grant them magisterial powers, which would allow security personnel to act under their direct authority. Commission sources also indicated that the observers have sought a probe into Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent comments.
The move stems from an incident that took place in Falta, South 24 Parganas, on Thursday, December 11, where observer C Murugan, who had gone to inspect SIR work, faced protests from local women, most of whom were Trinamool supporters. Within 24 hours of the incident, the observers sent a letter to the commission in Delhi to ensure their safety.
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Currently, Bengal has one special observer, three divisional observers, and 12 other observers assigned to work in the districts. The Falta incident has acted like a warning bell for these observers who do not want to compromise their security, which is why they have recommended the necessary steps.
According to a source quoted by Jagran.com, the observers recommended that security be ensured through central forces, and if that is not feasible, that they be granted magisterial powers. Under normal circumstances, security personnel act on instructions from their immediate superiors, but with magisterial authority, they would be required to follow directives issued directly by the observers.
Besides the Falta incident, the observers have also objected to the remarks made by the Chief Minister during a public rally in Krishnanagar on Thursday, and recommended an investigation into the same.
The Chief Minister earlier said, "What about mothers and sisters? If names are deleted, do you have all the ingredients at home to cook food with? Right? Do you have the strength? Will you catch them if their names are deleted? Won't you let them go? Girls will fight from the front, and boys will stay behind. I want to see whether the power of mothers and sisters is greater than the power of the BJP."
Observers have objected to this comment and demanded an investigation. The observer team, headed by Murugan, was reviewing the SIR’s activities in Falta, including the duties of booth-level officers (BLOs) and the verification of deceased voters listed on the rolls.
Meanwhile, a group of Trinamool supporters surrounded the commission's delegation and shouted slogans against the SIR and the BJP. During the protest, demands were also raised for a housing scheme and money for 100 days of work.