Kolkata: Amid growing anxiety in Bongaon's Matua-dominated areas over the possible deletion of a large number of names from voters' list during the SIR process, the BJP found itself further embarrassed on Saturday as one of its own MLAs had to appear at an SIR hearing.
Swapan Majumdar, BJP MLA from Bongaon Dakshin (South), turned up at an SIR hearing held at a madrasa in Bongaon on Saturday morning and submitted the required documents. The development triggered a fresh political row, with the Trinamool attacking the BJP, even offering "support" if needed.
According to sources, Majumdar was summoned as his name did not figure in the 2002 electoral roll. The names of his parents were also absent from the 2002 voters' list, prompting the authorities to call him for the hearing. Majumdar submitted his birth certificate, passport and his father's death certificate.
While speaking to TOI after hearing, the MLA said, "I was born in this country. I turned 18 in 1999. I went to Mumbai for work and returned in 2012, after which my name was enrolled in the voters' list. My father died in 1999, which is why his name does not appear in the list." He further claimed, "I could have mapped my documents with my maternal uncle's address, but I did not. Instead, I tried to encourage others to follow the proper process."
The issue assumes significance as administrative sources say that nearly 1 lakh Matua refugees across 4 Assembly segments under the Bongaon LS constituency were asked to appear for SIR hearings.
The anxiety is particularly acute in Matua areas of Bongaon, where many applicants, despite applying under the CAA through BJP-backed camps, are yet to receive citizenship certificates. This put the BJP leadership in an awkward position.
Bongaon organisational district TMC President Biswajit Das said, "The very party to which he (Majumdar) belongs is conspiring to delete the names of Matua refugees from voters' list. Now Swapan Babu should understand which party he represents. If his name is deleted, we will stand by him. The CM said no one will be driven out." Majumdar sharply criticised the TMC. "The ground is slipping from under Trinamool's feet. They know their defeat in the 2026 is inevitable," he added.