SIR bid to bring NRC, pushing people to brink of death: CM
Times of India | 27 November 2025
Kolkata: People were on the verge of death, because of "CAA and SIR", Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged on Wednesday. She went on to add that questions were being raised on citizenship and voting rights only because there was a plan to "silently implement NRC".
"Today, when democracy and religion are being attacked and questions are being raised on citizenship and voting rights, we must ask: Do we now have to give proof of our citizenship? The real aim is to bring NRC. We are shocked and saddened... to see democratic rights being taken away and divisions planted. They have pushed people to the verge of death," said Banerjee speaking at a Constitution Day event.
"People are being tortured — Tapasili, Dalit, Adivasi, minority or Hindu voters. Those who died... most of them were Hindus," said the CM.
Banerjee also warned the BJP-led Centre, saying: "Let me tell you that your govt will fall in 2029. It may happen even before that."
Recalling her interaction with some dhakis on Tuesday at Bongaon, Banerjee said they had pleaded with her to save them. "Thy were crying, asking me to save them. Those who are doing politics with this (CAA-NRC), it is a shame," said the CM. Banerjee said she would never forget that she had taken an oath to protect India's democracy.
Without naming any agency or govt official, the CM said that neutrality expected from authorities had gone missing. "Do one thing — send four crore notices and we will still fight you. I condemn them (BJP) for what they are doing. They have pushed the nation so low. Where is neutrality? There is only unfairness and partisanship. A neta is one who understands and respects people, not one who divides. All agencies have been complicit. We will follow the Constitution in our work. We will be guided by our freedom fighters, not BJP," she said.
Attacking the BJP-led Centre for being "anti-Bengali", Banerjee spoke of the role of Bengal in India's freedom struggle and drafting the Constitution. "Today is Constitution Day and Dr BR Ambedkar was itschairman (drafting committee). You should know that he was elected from undivided Bengal. We did not gain freedom by the mercy of those in office today, we got it because of the freedom fighters, most of whom were Bengalis," said CM Banerjee.