BJP MP talks of ‘1cr deletions’ in Bengal, sparks row
Times of India | 10 October 2025
Kolkata: A fresh controversy erupted on Thursday over BJP Bongaon MP and junior Union minister Shantanu Thakur's comment that a proper implementation of SIR would expose "1 to 1.2 crore illegally registered voters" in Bengal.
Trinamool MP Mamata Bala Thakur hit back sharply, claiming that the special revision of poll rolls would mostly impact the Matua refugee community and BJP supporters, ultimately benefiting TMC.
Speaking at a BJP Bijoya Sammilani event at Panchpota in Gaighata, North 24 Parganas, on Wednesday, Thakur said: "If SIR is implemented properly, this govt will have no escape. At least 1 to 1.2 crore people who illegally registered as voters and are living on Bengal's soil will have their names deleted."
Thakur added that "Rohingya, infiltrators and ghost voters" would no longer be able to vote in Bengal. "The common people who want change, who want industry, education and better healthcare in Bengal will be able to vote. It is their votes that will help BJP take office," the Union minister said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Thakur added: "A transparent voters' list will be created. We will see how many Rohingya voters, Bangladeshi voters, ghost voters and refugee voters are removed.
Refugees will not be pushed back to Bangladesh. Once they receive citizenship, they will again become voters."
TMC's Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Bala said "Matuas will suffer the most because of SIR". "Those who vote for BJP will have their names deleted. This will not harm Trinamool; instead, it will help us gain more seats," she said.
"In the name of SIR, they are spreading confusion and panic among people by making misleading statements. This is a planned conspiracy by BJP ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. The state BJP leadership and the Union home minister should first decide what they actually want," she added.